Show Notes: erickrheam.com/092

As the calendar turns toward a new year, many people hope things will change—yet find themselves repeating the same patterns.

In this solo episode, Erick challenges listeners to move beyond vague resolutions and instead approach 2026 with intentionality, clarity, and purpose.

This conversation centers on three critical considerations that can help you break negative cycles, live more fruitfully, and design a year that actually looks different—in a meaningful way.

In This Episode, You'll Discover:

• Why hoping for a better year isn't enough—and what intentional living really requires
• How unexamined patterns quietly repeat themselves year after year
• The importance of defining what you want 2026 to produce—not just what you want to avoid
• Why clarity always precedes change
• How to identify the distractions, habits, or commitments that are keeping you stuck
• What it means to break negative cycles instead of managing them
• How small, focused decisions compound into a dramatically different year

The Three Questions to Consider for 2026

In this episode, Erick walks through three foundational questions designed to help you step into 2026 with clarity and purpose. These questions are not about setting more goals—they're about creating alignment between your values, priorities, and daily decisions so the year produces lasting impact.

Key Takeaways

A different year does not happen by accident—it happens by design. When you slow down long enough to evaluate what truly matters, eliminate what no longer serves you, and commit to intentional action, you position yourself to experience growth instead of repetition. 2026 can be different—but only if you decide it will be.

Reflection Question

If nothing changes in your thinking, habits, or priorities, what will 2026 actually look like—and what needs to change now to ensure it becomes the year you're hoping for?

Final Thought

You don't need a perfect plan to move forward—but you do need clarity, courage, and consistency. Let this episode be the starting point for a year defined not by chaos, but by intention and purpose.

Resources Mentioned

1. Subscribe to the podcast
2. Rise Above Chaos book
3. Work with Erick
4. Connect with Erick: erickrheam.com
5. Get the Rise Above Chaos Planner

Action Step

• Make 2026 different