Most people fail their 2026 goals
by mid-February.

They set outcome goals. "Run an ultramarathon." "Make $100K." But they're still thinking and acting like the old version of themselves.

The goal feels distant. Impossible. And when motivation fades — which it always does — so does the effort. Here's what actually works. 👇 

Reframe success. Stop chasing outcomes. Start chasing behaviors.

Instead of "run an ultramarathon," ask: What does the person who runs an ultramarathon actually do?

He wakes early to train. He dedicates hours to building endurance — non-negotiable. He prioritizes recovery. He shows up for long runs even when it's cold and dark. He says no to things that interfere with training.

Those are the habits. Those are the metrics that matter.

Instead of "make $100K," ask: What does the person who makes $100K actually do?

She says no to distractions. She ships work daily. She makes decisions like a builder, not a hesitator. She shows up and does the work when it's uncomfortable.

Here's the truth: if you nail those behaviors, the outcomes follow. Run the ultramarathon. Build the business. Find the discipline.

But chase the outcome alone? You'll quit by mid-February when it gets hard.

Spend 15 minutes this week. Write down the daily habits of the person you want to become. Not the outcome. The behaviors.

Then place it somewhere you see it every day. And on January 15th when motivation is gone — you show up anyway. Because that's what the person you're becoming does.

Not sure where to start? Check out my list.

THE TOOL THAT KEEPS YOU HONEST

Building the identity to show up means knowing if you're actually showing up. That's where the Oura Ring comes in.

It tracks sleep, recovery, and readiness—not to obsess over numbers, but to build awareness. Are you sleeping like someone who shows up? Recovering like someone serious about their goals? These daily metrics keep you accountable to the person you said you'd become.

I use it because it eliminates the guessing. No excuses. Just data on whether your behaviors match your identity.

Available through HSA/FSA if you want to use healthcare funds before the year ends.

P.S. The habits you write down this week? Those stick when you have people holding you accountable. Follow along on Instagram and keep this newsletter in your inbox—because the people who set themselves up for success are the ones showing up with a community behind them.

See you out there,
Eric