Daniel C. Clark emphasizes that awareness is the first significant achievement of the year, as it is often uncomfortable and requires self-reflection. He defines awareness as recognizing one's influence on the world and acknowledging patterns and habits without justification. Clark argues that discomfort from awareness is not failure but valuable information. He encourages individuals to be more aware of their actions, to express their thoughts kindly, and to embrace the discomfort as a step towards meaningful change and presence in life. This, he believes, is the true victory of 2026.