Happy New Year to a fabulous group of sexy people!

New year’s often means people all over the world may make new year’s resolutions. If you’re  like me (and most everyone else), they don’t work very well for daily/weekly execution.

What I’ve found much more helpful is a practice called “My 3 Words.”

Brief history of “My 3 Words” — I came across this nearly 10 years ago from a blog post by storyteller and marketer Chris Brogan. The idea is to “think up three words that will help guide your choices and actions over the coming year.” What I love most about this use as a guidepost all year — it helps frame both my professional life AND my personal life.

“The words that you select for ‘My 3 Words’ are meant to serve as lighthouses to guide you through foggy moments. To that end, it’s important to pick words that have enough meaning that you’ll snap your perspective into alignment with them and build out your days, weeks, months, and year accordingly,” ~ Chris Brogan.

I began the process of choosing the three words a month or so before the new year, as they usually take some time to materialize. So, if you want to join in and frame your new year – it’s not too late to start.

Here are some more tips on how to choose yours:

• Don’t make it a phrase. Don’t say “publish the book”. It also wastes words by using “the”.
• Use words that are actionable if you can. “Expand” is better than “bigger.” The more useful and practical the words can be, the better.
• Don’t use words that are sexy (even though that is a very good word 😉). Use words that will be your compass.
• Stick with the 3 words all year. Every time I’ve adjusted one a month or two later, the year gets messed up. I can’t explain it, but I can report it.
• Use plain words. Years where I’ve tried “fancy” words with layers of meaning, I lost the thread.
• Personal meaning. The words don’t have to mean anything to anyone but you. Don’t worry about explaining them.

Here is a couple of additional tips from my personal experience:

• Share your words with others. When you share your words and the meaning behind them, I’ve found it to be easier for people to support me. (Post them on the platform- nation.smr.fm!) I encourage every Mastermind group I run to join in this process.
• Put your words somewhere visual. We are a visual people. The more you can see these words in front of you every day, the easier it will be for them to be your compass.

My 3 Words for 2026:

Endure – Not white-knuckling or quitting — this is meaningful endurance: This word is in two main areas of focus – first is seeing things through with everything I commit to: projects, family, kids, marriage. I had a tangible moment of this word already last week with the passing of my mother. I feel I finished well with her. It also is something to focus on with my new passion of running. I plan to log many, many miles this year.

Linger – This year I refuse to rush past experience — be it pleasure or discomfort. I want to linger with a feeling and experience long enough to learn from it. Linger with my time with God throughout the day, specifically the mornings. Linger with friends, Pam, my kids, family. I excited about this word.

Grounded – This one to me isn’t passive; it’s directed steadiness. I want to keep my footing within my values while staying connected to others. To focus on working to become more grounded: in the Word day to day, in my role as a husband, father, son, brother, and friend. And also the be grounded in my beliefs – yet willing to question and explore to solidify/adjust as necessary.

What say you? Come join us and see what this does for you in 2026.