Ah, it's that time of the year…a time to relax, rest and take stock of the year’s achievements. A mélange of excitement, gratitude and reflection prompts us to make New Year’s resolutions…some of which are timeless! 

Four years ago, I suggested seven resolutions for project managers. Though still valid, here are six updated and timely resolutions project managers should consider for 2026 to address the evolving project management profession and stay aligned with emerging industry trends. 

1. Be curious about AI in project management. 

Artificial intelligence is everywhere. ChatGPT’s user base grew sevenfold (from 100 million in November 2023 to 700 million in July 2025). With academic, personal and business usage models gaining widespread adoption, the project management field is not immune. 

Project managers across industries should familiarize themselves with the Project Management Institute’s (PMI) Infinity™ AI tool, which is trained on a project management-specific large language model. Also, many project management software platforms—including Microsoft Project, Asana and Trello—have embedded AI features designed to improve productivity and provide data-driven project insights. 

2. Keep up with the Project Management Office (PMO). 

Not every project manager works for a PMO, and not every organization has one. If yours does, be sure to remain connected. Far too often, these relationships are passive rather than active, and the body of knowledge curated and implemented by the PMO is far from static. 

Take your friendly neighborhood PMO colleagues for coffee and pick their brains. Staying engaged with your PMO can help you keep up with best practices, organizational standards and evolving expectations. 

3. Be curious. 

Podcasts give us the opportunity to enjoy a seemingly endless stream of content. Go beyond your comfort zone and seek out topics you might not usually consider. 

Project management lessons exist across all industries—and even producing a podcast requires planning, scheduling, resource management and continuous improvement. Expanding your perspective strengthens your adaptability. 

4. Be a mentor. 

Back in 2000, I was a 22-year-old in my second job with a lofty “project management” title. I’ll forever be indebted to my peers who took the time to show me the ropes. Since then, I’ve repaid the favor through formal and informal mentorships. 

Whether you’re starting out or a seasoned veteran, find a mentor and be open to mentees. Mentorship strengthens the project management community and supports long-term career development. 

5. Don’t skip leg day. 

Many project managers fail to “exercise their muscles” if they feel there’s no benefit. You may not work in procurement or quality, but those elements of project management are critical to your success. Seek out webinars, articles and other resources on those topics to better understand the connection to your role. Upskilling in underused areas helps you stay competitive and build well-rounded project management skills. 

6. Get involved. 

The world has increasingly become digital—think remote work and Zoom meetings. I myself have been working remotely for six years. I’ve only met my colleagues face-to-face once. But in the coming year, my New Year’s resolution is to connect more in person. 

Scan your LinkedIn contacts, reach out to colleagues and invite them to lunch or coffee to keep the ties warm. Connecting one-on-one, even if it can’t be in person, is essential for maintaining strong professional relationships. 

Above all—be consistent. We overestimate what we can do during a single day, but underestimate what we can get done in a year. Keep at it and you’ll soon reap the benefits. 

About the Author 

Tony Oliver is a highly experienced PMP® credential holder and instructor in UC Davis Continuing and Professional Education’s Project Management Certificate Program. He has two decades of experience in a variety of roles, including project manager, business analyst and change management specialist. Leveraging his project management and Six Sigma certifications, he is currently a senior manager with Aetna, a CVS Company.