The Real Lessons I’m Taking Into 2026

The lessons I’m grateful for, and the direction I’m choosing for 2026

1) Peace is expensive, but it’s worth it

Peace is not passive.

Peace is something I must fight for, protect and know what it entails. It costs me boundaries, saying no, and sometimes letting people misunderstand me. But the cost of letting chaos into my life is always higher.

Scripture keeps it blunt: “Above all else, guard your heart.”

So in 2026, I’m guarding my home, my focus, and my spirit. I’m not available for drama disguised as “family/relationship/friendship,” “feedback,” or “concern.”

2) Not everyone wants truth or solutions

Some people don’t want to solve problems.

Some in fact, create and perpetuate problems because unfortunately that’s the only way they know how to live.

They want to stay close to problems because it gives them attention, control, or a storyline. When I bring clarity and focus, they often take it personally, and double down with more gaslighting, “woe is me/I’m the victim”, mockery or attacks.

Scripture warns me clearly: “Do not give what is holy to those who will trample it.”

So in 2026, I’ll help when invited, and I’ll step away when someone wants a fight. I’m not here to argue people into maturity.

In fact, I’m not here to help everyone.

3) My time is my rarest currency

Unfortunately…I can be right and still waste years.

I can prove my point and still lose momentum.

The temptation to fight publicly can feel satisfying, but it can steal what matters most: the work God placed in my hands and the people He placed in my care.

Scripture pulls me back: “Make the most of every opportunity.”

So in 2026, I’m choosing the long game. I’ll put my best energy into building Phoenix, leading my family, and staying faithful, not into wrestling with liars or some other bullshit games people play because they’re lost and bored.

4) Systems beat motivation

When life gets heavy, motivation fades.

I’ve seen that what carries me isn’t hype or adrenaline, it’s structure: a rhythm, a checklist, a schedule, a standard.

Scripture says it plainly: “The plans of the diligent lead to profit.”

So in 2026, I’m doubling down on simple systems: lead flow, content output, hiring pipelines, finances, and family routines.

I’m done relying on mood or willpower - they’re nice, but systems are better.

5) God uses pressure to form me, not to destroy me

This year stretched me.

It exposed where I’m still impulsive, where I still want quick relief, where I still hate wasting time. But I also saw God use pressure to refine my leadership and deepen my dependence on Him.

Scripture reframes suffering: “The testing of your faith produces perseverance.”

So in 2026, I won’t panic (as much haha) when it gets hard. I’ll treat pressure as training and keep moving with God.

Lessons I’m carrying into 2026

6) God has been faithful, even when I was tired

I’m still standing.

My family is still here.

The mission is still alive.

That’s not random.

God carried me through complexity, uncertainty, and fatigue.

Scripture gives me language for it: “His mercies are new every morning,” which is so nice when I dont know how to speak or describe it. Thank you Lord.

So in 2026, I’m staying grateful. Gratitude keeps me steady and stops me from turning into a driven, anxious machine.

7) My assignment is clearer than ever

This year refined my priorities.

My first ministry is my wife and kids.

My main work is Phoenix and the legacy I’m building. Many “opportunities” are distractions dressed up as importance or urgent.

Scripture gives the order: “Seek first the kingdom of God.”

So in 2026, if something pulls me away from God, my marriage, my children, or my calling, it’s not a blessing.

It’s a cost.

8) Clarity creates momentum; delay drains my life

I’ve felt it: indecision leaks energy daily.

Unmade decisions sit in my head and tax my attention.

When I decide, I move.

When I delay, I stall.

Scripture calls me to a posture: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart… and He will make your paths straight.”

So in 2026, I’m deciding faster, then adjusting. I’m not waiting for perfect certainty to act in faith.

9) I don’t need perfect conditions to obey

There will never be a perfect season.

If I wait for ideal timing, ideal sleep, ideal feelings, or ideal calm, I will waste years.

Scripture trains me to be consistent: “Whoever is faithful with little will be faithful with much.”

So in 2026, I’m choosing daily obedience. Small steps, done faithfully, will compound

My posture for 2026

I will walk with God first, not last.

I will lead my home with love and firmness.

I will build Phoenix with clean culture, clean systems, and clean conscience.

I will refuse noise and choose fruit and production.

Scripture describes the kind of wisdom I want to live by: “Pure, peace-loving, considerate, full of mercy and good fruit.”

A short prayer for my and your 2026

Lord Jesus, thank You for carrying us through 2025.

Clean our heart from bitterness, pride, and distraction.

Give me wisdom to lead my home and Phoenix with courage and humility (and for you, whatever you’re working on/with).

Teach us to use my time well, love deeply, and obey quickly.

Let 2026 be a year of clarity, discipline, peace, and fruit that lasts.

Amen.