My Three Words for 2026
As the year draws to a close, I find myself pausing to reflect on the challenges, lessons, and moments that have shaped the past twelve months. Milestone moments have a way of slowing us down and forcing perspective.
Time, Milestones, and Perspective
I can’t believe I started this exercise in 2011 and have kept it going once a year for this long.
Just days after my daughter turned 15, I found myself in awe of how quickly time flies. The holidays and milestone birthdays have a way of forcing reflection. They make us pause and ask what we have done so far, how much has happened, and how quickly it all unfolded.
Over the last few days, we have been watching videos of how my daughter has evolved into the young person she is becoming. These videos are memories we deeply cherish, but they are also reminders. Not only of what has already been done, but of what still remains unfinished.
Why I Still Choose Three Words Each Year
Every year, I return to a simple practice that has become a cornerstone of both my personal and professional growth: choosing three words to guide my actions and decisions for the year ahead. Inspired by my friend Chris Brogan, this exercise replaces fleeting New Year’s resolutions with clear, actionable principles that help me reflect, reset, and refocus as a new year begins.
As I get ready for 2026, I want to do a better job than I did in 2025 when it comes to truly letting these three words guide me.
A Year of Experimentation and Growth
That said, I am extremely happy with all the experimenting we did this year. It led us to our new project, LaughAndGear.com, which has become a fun and creative outlet alongside our day-to-day web development, IT consulting, and SEO advisory work.
The YouTube channel, in particular, has helped me better understand an area of digital marketing where I had not spent much time before. We are still learning, and that learning curve has been both humbling and energizing.
Before I go further, I want to share the three words I chose for 2026.
My 3 Words for The New Year 2026
Discover the guiding principles shaping my journey in 2026—take a look at My 3 Words for the New Year!
REFRAME
Helps me choose clarity over reaction.
As we venture deeper into video creationWhy I Launched Laugh and Gear: Theme Park Travel Tips for Families, I constantly find myself thinking, I should have reframed that shot.
There are so many moving pieces that I often imagine how something could have been presented from a different angle or perspective.
Creative Tools as a Mirror for Life
This year, I was introduced to a 360 camera, which I have been using to create ride POV videos on YouTube and in situations where multiple things are happening at once. One of the most powerful aspects of this camera is the ability to reframe later, choosing what to highlight after the moment has already passed.
As I think about the creative flexibility tools like the Insta360 provide, I also think about how many moments in life require the same pause and reframing. From client requests, to day-to-day personal relationships, to getting projects unstuck, I often need to step back and reconsider how I am framing the situation.
Reframing Through a Risk and Planning Lens
Having spent years working as a cybersecurity professional and serving in the military, my mind naturally looks for failure points. I assess risk by identifying threats, vulnerabilities, and the potential impact if something goes wrong.
In my head, the formula is simple:
Risk = Threat + Vulnerability + Impact
To some people, this way of thinking comes across as negative or overly cautious, much like how some cultures view a prenuptial agreement as a sign of failure when it can actually be a form of proper planning.
Reframing for Clarity, Not Complexity
In 2026, I want to do a better job reframing my messages so they serve the audience more clearly. Too often, I get deep into the details when the person receiving the message simply wants a high-level solution and a clear outcome.
Out of the three words I chose, this is the one I know I need the most help with.
SEQUENCE
Build momentum instead of nurturing chaos.
Creating Flow Through Structure
There are many things I do that are second nature to me. As I get older, I rely more on checklists to help me push through days where distractions and unexpected challenges show up.
One thing I have noticed as I dive deeper into video creation and editing is that when I plan properly and create a clear sequence of steps, I work faster and with less friction. That structure gives me more time and energy to learn and focus on what truly matters.
Momentum Without Burnout
I want to stage projects more intentionally so there is a clearer picture of the end result. And if changes are needed, I can adjust and maneuver efficiently without losing momentum.
My goal is to build momentum that carries me closer to the finish line using the path of least resistance.
At the same time, I need to protect what is important to me and place that work ahead of noise and the priorities of others.
I have also learned that over-sequencing without execution can become a very sophisticated form of procrastination. I know I am good at executing. Now I want to make sure I am doing it more efficiently and in a way that supports my goals and the well-being of those around me.
DISENGAGE
Protect my energy and relationships.
Caring Without Controlling
I care deeply about my surroundings, the people I love, and the communities I have the privilege to be part of.
I also care deeply about my clients, friends, and family. At times, that care turns into an attempt to control outcomes that are simply not mine to control.
With family and friends, I am grateful to have them close. But even with those I love most, I need to let them fail when they choose that path. I also need to disengage sooner so I do not damage relationships or affect their well-being.
Boundaries That Protect Energy and Relationships
With some clients, I am hired for my expertise, yet my recommendations are ignored. When things fail, accountability is sometimes redirected toward me, even when it falls outside the scope of our agreement. In the past, I have often taken responsibility anyway.
There are clients who truly value that extra care. And there are others who do not. With those clients, I need to learn to disengage.
The same applies when I find myself entering arguments or situations where continuing to communicate no longer creates a healthy or productive environment.
My brother always tells me to sing Let It Go from Frozen. He might be right. Disengage feels like a word that will resonate deeply throughout 2026.
Looking and Moving Forward
Taken together, these three words form a simple operating philosophy for how I want to move through 2026.
Reframe reminds me to pause and choose clarity over reaction.
Sequence keeps my energy focused on what matters most, in the right order, instead of scattered across noise.
Disengage protects that focus by limiting where I invest my time, attention, and emotional bandwidth.
If I can consistently reframe how I see a situation, sequence my actions with intention, and disengage from what no longer serves the goal, I believe I can move forward with more purpose, less friction, and a deeper sense of alignment with the life I’m trying to build.
As I share my three words with you, I want to sincerely thank you for reading them and for being part of my life over the years.
I hope 2026 brings meaningful change in a world where too many are oppressed and too many oppressors attempt to claim victimhood.
Let us continue to work, challenge, and push for a better world for all of us. May the new year bring clarity, opportunity, and love to each of us.
¡Feliz Año Nuevo!
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Feel free to share your three words and your approach to starting a new year, contact me directly or Youtube Video
