This morning, as I enjoyed my coffee and scribbled thoughts on the pages of my journal, I penned the sentence, “In the new year, I’m hoping for more.”
The words stared at me from the page. It was an honest request (who doesn’t want more), but it was shallow. As I sat with the words for a moment, I felt the Lord whisper:
“More starts with less”
What if starting the year with less could actually give me more of what matters?
An Exercise In Losing Weight
Like many of you, my plate is overflowing as it is. I’m a father of five, the CEO of an insurance agency and the executive director of a non-profit. Oh yeah, and I host a podcast, run a sports media business with my son, among countless other things. Yet here I am, asking for more. How could I possibly steward more unless I’m willing to let go of something else?
This morning, I created an impromptu exercise. On a new page in my journal, I began to write what I wanted more of in the new year. But, I made a rule: For every more, I must have a less.
The exercise was invigorating. Each time I wrote something in the “LESS” column, it felt like I was shedding unnecessary weight. The more I wrote, I recognized the truth in the principle above — “more starts with less”.
Below is a breakdown of what I want less of in 2026 along with a brief description as to why. Hopefully, you’ll join me in the exercise to clear your plate and make room for what you truly want more of in the year ahead.
My Less List
In 2026, I want less APATHY. I found myself struggling with apathy throughout the year. Whether it was towards people or initiatives or sometimes life itself, apathy was much too common over the past twelve month. The year, apathy has no place in my life.
This year, I want less ANGER. I’m not an angry person, but I found myself losing my temper more than I care to admit. This year, emotional control will begin with releasing my anger in a proper way.
I want less ALCOHOL. Over the past few months, I began to recognize that alcohol had become more habitual and a sort-of crutch for dealing with stress. That’s not healthy and it has to go.
In 2026, I want less EXHAUSTION. I found myself continuously tired last year. I think it could be related to my diet but it has a lot to do with my overall mental state. Exhaustion comes when you don’t rest properly. That’s a good goal for the days ahead — more rest, less exhaustion.
2026 is going to be a year of less DRAMA. Whether it’s making much out of nothing or giving time to dramatic people, I’m going to create better boundaries in the days ahead. I think that begins by making the decision to say “no” when needed.
This year, I’m letting go of my PAST. For some reason, I’ve been holding on to the past — past pain, past experiences, past relationships. I had an unhealthy obsession with the past last year and I realized that I gave it way too much time. This year, I’m going to focus on the moment I’m in and the goodness ahead.
In 2026, I want less ROUTINE. As a high-functioning performer, I can become addicted to a routine. However, that way of life left me feeling robotic and stuck in a cycle of monotony. This year, my routine won’t define me and I’m going to leave margin for spontoneity.
This year, I want less CRITICISM. I see a pattern here. When you combine drama with exhaustion it leads to apathy and criticism. This year, I found myself shutting down and retreating to criticism as a way to cope with and process the world around me. I’m done with that.
In 2026, I want less COMPARISON. I’ve never been much for comparison, but this year as we were growing new things, I found myself looking across the aisle more than usual. It’s easy to compare your beginning to someone else’s middle or even their end. I’m shedding comparison this year.
I want less IMPATIENCE. As someone who has operated on efficiency and effectiveness, I tend to get antsy when things or people don’t comply with my timing. That doesn’t make me fun to be around. I’m taking more deep breaths and letting go of controlling outcomes.
I want less CHAOS. For some reason, the world has felt more chaotic lately. The problem is, I insert myself into the chaos rather than protecting myself from it. Whether its other people’s problems or taking on other people’s stress, I’m letting go of chaos in 2026.
Of course the list is longer, but this gives you a good idea.
What do you want less of this year?
Cheers to you and your endeavors in 2026. If I can help in any way, please reach out.
Blessings,
MH