I recorded this episode around New Year’s Day 2026, because it’s that season when everybody’s talking about resolutions—and we all know how often those get broken. So I wanted to connect New Year’s resolutions to something I work with a lot as a leadership coach: goal setting, because that’s really how change becomes practical.

For me, goals usually begin when I realize my current reality isn’t matching my values—your values are the “why.” Then I walk through the SMART approach: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Timed, and I stress the importance of pairing long-term goals with short-term milestones so you build momentum and stay honest.

And the big thing—the thing that makes or breaks it—is accountability. Weekly check-ins, journaling, quarterly markers… all helpful. But the best tool is an accountability partner—someone you trust to keep you on track. I share my three goals for 2026, recommend trying fruit for dessert, and I close with a reminder inspired by Van Gogh: do the thing you love, even if no one’s paying attention—because life is not a dress rehearsal.

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