January 1, 2026

My 2026 Plan: From Prolific to Present

Every year, I take time to reflect on what happened and plan what's next. I use a tool called YearCompass. This year, I used an interactive version that I built with Claude Code. Here's what came out of it.

Looking Back at 2025

Three words: Prolific. Isolated. Determined.

If it were a movie: Builder's Guilt

2025 was a year of professional wins. Mostly Serious had its best year ever. I spoke on stages I'm fortunate to be on. Our AI consulting practice took off. I stayed on the leading edge of a technology that's reshaping how people work.

But there was a cost. I was so focused on building that I wasn't always present. Work consumed evenings. Relationships drifted. I achieved a lot and felt less connected than ever.

When I turned 40 in October, I recognized that being prolific and being present don't have to be opposites. But I treated them that way. I optimized for output and let everything else run on autopilot.

Best Moments

The moments that actually mattered had nothing to do with work:

  • A trip to Arizona with my wife
  • Watching my daughter play volleyball
  • Monster trucks with my kids
  • Hosting family for the holidays
  • Getting our dog, Pepper

The Year Ahead

Phrase of the Year: Give the Magic

Last year's word was "prolific." It worked too well.

This year's phrase is Give the Magic.

It came from a letter I wrote to my future self. I've been pouring my best energy into work and clients, not family. I need to aim my attention and care back in the right direction.

At the end of 2026, I'll know it worked if my relationships are strong, my life isn't lopsided, and I'm physically and mentally sharp with varied interests.

What I Want 2026 to Look Like

  • Closer to my family
  • More travel for fun, not just work
  • Fewer evenings behind a screen
  • More fiction, less business books
  • Continued physical and mental growth
  • A sustainable rhythm at work

The Systems

Goals are nice. Systems actually work. Here's what I'm building into my days and weeks:

Morning Routine (5am–7am):

  • Journal about life, family, relationships
  • Workout (60 min cap)
  • Open time for reflection or thinking
  • Family time before the day starts

Weekly:

  • Saturday morning check-in with my wife
  • Dedicated time with my business partner to stay aligned

Monthly:

  • One outing with my kids—solo or together

Quarterly:

  • Trip with my wife, just us

Always:

  • One shared project with my wife we're working on together
  • One shared project with my business partner we're working on together
  • Standing offer for my daughter: volleyball practice time if she wants it

Three Things I Want to Achieve

  1. Close connection with my family
  2. Sustainable success at Mostly Serious
  3. Strong friendships

Three Things I'm Letting Go

  1. Judgment of others
  2. Carrying stress about things I can't control
  3. The need to feel busy

Three Things I'll Say No To

  1. Letting my calendar be controlled by others
  2. Unhealthy habits that pull me from my best self
  3. Clinging to the past over building the future

Daily Habits

Exercise:

  • Strength training 4 days/week
  • Cardio 2 days/week
  • Daily walks

Mind:

  • Daily journaling
  • Meditation or quiet reflection (pick one each day)
  • Time for philosophy and deeper thinking

The Letter

I wrote a letter to 45-year-old me. Then I wrote one back from him.

The part that stands out:

"You became more attentive; you poured that magic you held for others into your family. Don't stop giving that magic. It's the best decision you ever made. It improves everything."

The Mantra

Give the magic.

Here's to a year of giving the magic.