2026 is in full swing, and if you haven’t done so already, it is time. Time to decide what you want this year to be for you. One process, or model, that can help is to program your mind. This programming has three parts: Verbalizing, Visualizing, and Managing Feelings and Emotions.

It is important to write it down. Whatever we want to do, we need to commit that to the written word. And while writing can certainly be done on the computer or IPad, some believe that it is best to write this manually, that it will be retained better if it is written in long hand.

There is a 10-step process for programming our mind. This process is:

1. Identify your goal.
2. Attach a picture of the goal, so there is a visual.
3. Understand your “why.” Why do you want this goal?
4. Be clear about how this will benefit you.
5. Will this help others?
6. Is this goal right legally and morally?
7. List the advantages.
8. What is necessary for you to reach your goal?
9. What is the date of your intended completion of the goal?
10. Identify action steps and dates for goal completion.

One action step that may be necessary is to understand what is getting in your way. What keeps you from being who you want to be? What are you about to give up on that may just need more focus and time? Do you need to change your approach to be successful? If what you have been doing hasn’t worked, it is time to change your approach.

Robert Greenleaf’s words in the Servant Leader can inspire us to action.

“If you want to have an impact, if you aspire to make a difference, then you had better start doing it. Nothing is worse than wasting your life in the false comfort of inaction.”