January 13, 2026
An Even Better New Year
This isn't the first article of the new year, but it is my first of the year. Congratulations on your 2025 successes, and best wishes for an even better 2026, focusing on what matters most.
"Wish" is a funny term. We want to see people do well but wishes alone can’t create a great year. As the saying goes, “If wishes were fishes, we would all be swimming in riches.”
We must take action to make 2026 a great year. A simple way is to set goals. We set goals as part of our performance reviews, benefiting ourselves and those we serve. Yet, urgent matters often distract us and we lose track of these vital goals.
Goals without plans are just dreams. My years as a weightlifter and coach taught me the value of setting goals and creating, following, and evaluating plans to achieve them. Planning helps avoid the tyranny of the urgent.
You’re less likely to give in to urgent distractions if you set reminders about your goals. A retired local unit director suggested posting goals in a visible spot, so you regularly see them and stay on course.
Set yourself up for a great new year: establish goals, create and follow plans, and periodically review them. Doing so will help ensure a wonderful 2026 for you and those you serve!