10 Comments
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Anna Bergevin's avatar

I have a similar framing I use for some goals - focusing on inputs instead of outcomes. I can control writing once a week (min) as a habit. I cannot control the reach / engagement. So I don’t have growth goals for Substack.

Joe Reis's avatar

This is a very wise approach

Sloan Russett's avatar

True story, there is a proverb for this. It goes something like “ the best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago, the next best time is now”. Go forth and slay

Nifemi Aluko's avatar

Process over outcome. I just learned the the second Friday in the year is called Quitter's day because that's when most people quit their new year's resolution. That's just two weeks. You might as well ship a tiny project starting in December and build clarity and momentum for 2026.

Looking forward to publishing my next book in 2026. Looking forward to yours too. Great post, Joe!

Thais Cooke's avatar

I love this. When I decided to really do a pivot into data analytics, it was in December! Just like you said, it was much easier to stick to that goal once New Years came around.

Joe Reis's avatar

dang, didn't know that. Congrats on your successful career pivot

Thais Cooke's avatar

Thank you 😊 it was one of the best decisions I have ever made

Matthew Myers's avatar

Well said! I’ve found the only times I’ve been able to keep up with a New Year’s goal/resolution was when I started them in December.

I like the idea of using AI as your planner/aid paired with Asana. I’ve been using the projects feature with ChatGPT and am eager for something more

Joe Reis's avatar

Very cool. Best of luck in 2026!