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What Will It Take For A Successful 2026?

As we step into a new year, the time has come yet again… it’s time to define our goals, define success for the new year, or the dreaded term make our “resolutions”. The question of what success looks like in 2026 is both exciting and daunting. Mentally, success, goals, and resolutions usually rely on a white & black model where there is “success” or “failure”, however in my mind success isn’t a single moment or a finish line—it’s a journey built on continual small improvements. Think of it as compounding interest for your goals: small, consistent actions create exponential results over time.

The Power of Incremental Progress

Big goals can feel overwhelming, but breaking them down into smaller, measurable steps makes them achievable. Whether you’re aiming for a personal milestone like improving your health or a professional target like growing your client base, the principle remains the same: progress happens in increments. Each small improvement is a brick in the foundation of your ultimate success.

What Gets Measured Gets Done

Measurement is the secret weapon of achievement. When you track your progress, you create accountability and clarity. Want to read more books? Track the number of pages you read each week. Want to increase revenue? Monitor your monthly growth rate, or better yet, how many potential customers you’ve interacted with. Data doesn’t just inform—it motivates. Without measurement, goals remain vague aspirations. With it, they become actionable plans.

Momentum: The Fuel for Growth

Momentum is what keeps you moving when motivation fades. It’s the feeling of progress that energizes you to keep going. But here’s the key: goals should be challenging enough to require growth, yet structured so you can see and feel progress along the way. If a goal is instantly reachable, it won’t inspire you. If it feels impossible, it will discourage you. The sweet spot is a goal that stretches you while allowing for visible wins.

Success in 2026: A Vision

Imagine looking back at the end of 2026 and seeing a year defined by steady progress. Not perfection, but persistence. Success might look like:

  • Building habits that compound over time.
  • Tracking and celebrating measurable milestones.
  • Maintaining momentum through visible progress and strategic challenges.

This is the mindset I’ll be taking with my personal health, family, and professional goals in 2026. Are you ready to take this journey with me?

January 2026

Chris Hammond 

Chris Hammond

The Chartered Financial Analyst credential is considered by many to be the gold standard in investment management designations. The average 4-year commitment and rigor for this designation speaks to the degree of dedication exhibited by its’ candidates. Chris Hammond is a CFA Charterholder.