Don't set resolutions, set goals
and then build the right habits to support
To start off 2026,
I wanted to share an email I sent to our team recently. Hopefully it sparks a few ideas for you as your year begins.
Best,
David
Happy New Years!
It’s been a heck of a year for the firm and there’s a lot to look forward to for 2026.
I don’t know how you approach the end of a year and the beginning of the next. Maybe you make resolutions, maybe you just want to relax and put ‘25 in the rear view.
I’d like to challenge you to think about goals.
Rather than come to you with data about the power of goal setting, I’ll just share my story. 15 years ago, I got serious about goal setting for the first time.
Each year since, I have set clear, measurable goals for life, work, and family. With the benefit of a personal ‘track record,’ I can say definitively that this has been transformative in my life. I’ve been able to learn new things, build deeper relationships, and grow professionally all because I took the time to write something down.
I’d encourage you to do the same.
Here’s how I’d start.
First, begin with a review and diagnostic. I’ve found this rubric to be helpful:
Next - develop goals across each of those domains.
Write them down and put them where you can see them. Mine live in a spreadsheet that I have a reminder on my calendar to review at least 1x a month.
Third - decide on your metrics
Goals are best when they are SMART - Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time Bound. Don’t dismiss the measurable part. Give yourself something you can monitor your progress on. Even if the goal is qualitative - you can find something to monitor along the way.
I’ve found outcomes focused metrics aren’t really helpful because outcomes are often non-controllable. Instead, focus on an input metric - something you can clearly do, an action that is yours.
Fourth - build habits.
There is a reason why James Clear’s Atomic Habits has been on the NY Times bestseller list for 86 consecutive weeks and has 144,678 reviews on Amazon.
Learning how to regularly build habits for new things I want to do has unlocked a tremendous amount for me.
Fifth - tell a friend.
Public accountability is powerfully motivating to us all. Find a friend, a loved one, strangers on the Internet - put it out there and let someone know. They can push you when you want to give up, and celebrate with you along the way.
What will 2026 hold for you?
“There is no [person] living who isn’t capable of doing more than he thinks he can do.”
- Henry Ford
We don’t have a ‘rah-rah’ culture here at the firm. But don’t let your inner skeptic miss what i’m trying to say.
You are all a talented and accomplished group.
Great things are in store for the firm. Moreover, I’m confident that great things are in store for each of you personally.
If you will push in on how you set your goals, the first domino will fall.
Let me know how it goes.
Best,
David