It’s really easy to slip out of the habit of anything, but particularly writing. I’ve felt too busy in watching my daughter every day, and too tired at night. These were excuses and rationalizations I told myself. Writing takes daily practice, and it’s also a vehicle for thinking. When I stopped writing regularly I stopped thinking deeply as often, which affected my ability to write about interesting things. I will renew my commitment to that in 2026.

Anything difficult or worthwhile takes time and repetition. The world’s greatest anything, be it golfer, podcaster, musician, etc. has mastered their domain because they’ve spent a lot of time practicing rep after rep. There are no cheatcodes or shortcuts. The only way to get good (and reap rewards such as social status, respect, income, freedom, etc.) is to do it, over and over again. This requires a longterm view: I will be good at this in 8 or 10 years. It requires discipline. And it is often incredibly mundane. Focus is one of the most valuable skills today, especially with the increasing infringement of technology into every waking moment. Our experience is determined by where we consistently direct our attention. Consistency is boring and tedious and unsexy, but it is what produces results. I want to be more consistent in 2026.

Most people are bad about wishing their family and friends happy birthday. It’s unfortunate because it’s really not difficult: put the person’s birthday in your phone’s contact, and it will remind you to text them on that day. There’s also a secret: it feels just as good to you when you wish them happy birthday. It enables you to reflect on your relationship with that person and appreciate them for who they are. You also get to be genuinely nice and thoughtful toward someone you love in an easy, quick and simple way.

I know my tribe. It consists of the people I sing about when I’m putting my baby to sleep. Baby Charlotte, baby Charlotte, time to sleep, time to sleep… Mommy always loves you, Daddy always loves you, pretty girl, pretty girl. There are 12 people and 2 pets I regularly mention. It’s not a foolproof method for understanding your most important people, but I’ve found it to be a good proxy.

I finally started doing Homework for Life toward the end of this year. I’m not sure it helps me remember everything better, as Matthew Dicks claims, but it definitely helps me appreciate the “ordinary” (actually the special) of each day. And it’s been very rewarding to strengthen my gratitude and appreciation for this wonderful thing we call life.

My life forever changed this year in early February when my daughter was born. I have crossed through a one-way door. I knew it would be impossible for my previous self to understand my current condition, but it hasn’t made the experience any less surreal. Having children is a transformation. It might be the most profound life experience one can have. I truly consider myself the luckiest person in the world for having my beautiful baby girl in my life. Thank you for being you Charlotte.

How has my life changed since having a baby? The house looks completely different (and a lot messier). I have apps on my phone I never knew about (1000 Books, Pathways.org, Baby Tracker, Owlet Dream). I prioritize sleep more than almost anything else. Working out has become a way to stave off dad bod, not a way to look good in a bathing suit. Coffee (cappuccinos!) has become an essential part of every morning. I regularly reflect on the meaning behind Disney song lyrics. The Laurie Berkner Band is a top listen on my Spotify. I call my parents Mimi and Papa instead of Mom and Dad. The list goes on, and I’m thankful for all of it.

I listen to a lot of podcasts that discuss purpose. I think it’s up to each of us to define our own. But I’ve found this year that one’s purpose can evolve, and that it doesn’t need to be complicated. With the advent of AI and the uncertainty in geopolitics and the economy, it’s easy to get caught up in societal success. Tribe matters. Purpose matters, and it’s yours to create, even if simple. Maximizing the love and time I have with my tribe has become my purpose.

Because most of all, I’ve realized that love is the answer. Love is what life is about, and we can always choose love. In a world getting increasingly darker and scarier, we can choose love over hate or indifference. We can love with everything we are, all we hope for, and all that ever will be. I choose love, in 2026 and beyond.