Dear Clients,
I hope your holidays have been a time of joy, gratitude, connection and warmth. I know our family really enjoyed having everyone back at home for a few days – including my middle daughter who is currently living and working in England (and developing a unique blend of Southern drawl and English accent).
So, in honor of our “British Invasion” … I thought, considering all the chaos and consternation around us, we might start the year by focusing on a famous saying from our friends across the pond.
I think the easiest way to bring this idea home is to look back on last year and ask a couple of questions. First, of all the things the world asked you to focus on and worry about, what were YOU able to change about THOSE things.
Secondly, would you be willing to concede (like I have) that your energy, mental resources and emotional wellbeing might have been better spent on things closer to home and more aligned with your own core values?
Every year I try to start fresh – focused not just on what matters most, but on what I can actually influence or change. We each have only so much capacity to affect change or have a meaningful impact on the lives of those around us. Without stopping to consider where our focus needs to be, we will likely get distracted by the things that are the loudest and most repeated.
A simple way to refocus is to ask yourself the following: In 2026, what do we want more of and what would we like less of. This simple question openly discussed with your spouse or family can quickly provide clarity and action to start the year well.
We hope 2026 is focused on implementing your Values First.
Sincerely, John