Doing more by doing less in 2026
How I'm adjusting my approach this year.
Happy New Year.
Now that we’re already into the second week of 2026, I hope that you still feel the motivation, inspiration, and optimism that you started the year with. If you can keep that fire burning as the weeks and months progress, then this really will be ‘your year’.
The beginning of a new year is always a reflective time for me. Even though it’s technically just a date change, there is something about the New Year that brings clarity and introspection. I always take some time to consider what’s going well in my life, as well as what’s not. This includes things I have full control over, some control over, and no control over. It’s like taking inventory.
While I won’t detail all of that personal and professional stuff here, I will share one of my main goals for 2026, and that is focusing more on fewer things.
As someone who makes a living from a wide range of activities (music, writing, podcasting, social media, live events, merchandising, investing, and more), it’s easy to feel like I’m spreading myself too thin. While I’ve managed, and even excelled at, juggling these shifting priorities for many years, it’s true that sometimes they distract from each other.
With the arrival of my first child last year and adjusting to the new demands of family life, my time, energy, and attention are at a greater premium than ever before. If something doesn’t move the needle for me/us in a tangible way, then I can’t afford to dwell on it. Attention must be prioritised because it is limited.
The 24/7 news cycle and endless stream of social media ‘content’ mean that everybody is more distracted all of the time. There is always a ‘current thing’ going on that is capturing the emotions and attention of the online masses.
In the past, I often felt compelled to research these events and add my comments to the fray. These days, I mostly find myself feeling uninterested and unbothered.
Some of this is a natural function of becoming a husband and father. Some of it is an intentional tactic to protect my energy and productivity. But a lot of it is simply fatigue from the non-stop barrage of politics, culture wars, and ego-driven influencer beefs.
If you discovered me within the past seven years (and 99% of my audience did), then there’s a good chance you came to know me due to my outspokenness on various cultural and sociopolitical issues: whether it was transgender mania, Covid craziness, or some other foolishness pertaining to race, gender, or whatever else was permeating the West at the time (and perhaps still is).
Countering bad ideas and disingenuous people on a regular basis is exhausting in itself, but it also pulls my time and attention away from activities that I genuinely enjoy, like making music.
While I’ve always maintained a healthy level of emotional detachment from politics and cultural commentary, I plan to detach from them a little more.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying that I’m going to stop talking about things that I believe are relevant, particularly when I can offer a helpful and unique insight. However, I refuse to let things outside my sphere of influence occupy too much headspace. The opportunity cost is unaffordable.
I will still do regular podcasts and occasional TV slots as relevant opportunities arise. But this year, I’m going to finish my third book, release some new music, build my business, and provide for my loved ones as best as I can; not just materially, but with my presence and energy.
This year, I am going to do more by doing less. It will be a subtle shift to the public, but a significant one in my mindset and day-to-day focus.
Does this resonate with you?
What are you going to do differently in 2026?
Feel free to let me know by leaving a comment! I’ll read all of them.
God bless you and thanks for your continued support. I’m happy to have you here.
1,
Zuby
this is good bro. Going slower to go faster has changed my life in so many ways
I discovered you during what I refer to as "The Great Covid Dumpster Fire" and consider myself lucky. Fatherhood is the best job you can pick for yourself. The early years of your child's life are incredibly special. With those two things in mind, taking "a step back," whatever that might mean, makes perfect sense! The BS, be it wokeism, climatism, covid mania, or [insert political or cultural hot-button here] will still be here. Trust me on that.