What lies ahead in 2026?
My hope and prayer for you is that you found 2025 to be a year of blessing. If my clients are any indication, however, I know that I’m writing to an audience where the results were a mixed bag.
I had one client who needed to shut down a division or face significantly negative financial consequences. Several other clients had things soften, or had results that, although encouraging, were far below where they hoped they’d be.
Something that we rarely acknowledge is that the hardships we face, as difficult as they may be, are so often blessings in disguise. The resulting tough actions and middle-of-the-night wrestling that so often comes from these situations can lead to transformative breakthroughs for our organizations.
So, as we start 2026, here are some great reminders for your year:
- It’s in times of challenge that we ask tough questions, re-examine our strategies, and redouble our efforts. We need to focus on disciplines and processes that are known to help companies/organizations in the position in which we find ourselves. Do you trust the process?
- Hope in the future and optimism are an integral part of leadership. My faith has given me this perspective on life. A verse from the Bible that reminds me of this is Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths strait.”
- Another is to get perspective. Do you have trusted individuals that can speak words of insight and encouragement into your situation? Input from those who have gone before us is so valuable and can bring tremendous perspective to the seemingly impenetrable wall we may be facing. Remember, if it was easy, anyone could do it.
- Trust the processes and disciplines needed to move you forward, both in your personal and organization’s life.
- I hope you have a sound plan in place for 2026. Have you confronted the brutal facts of your reality from 2025? Are there any tough calls that should be made now verses waiting a couple of months into the new year?
Let’s embrace the successes and failures from 2025 as we move into 2026. May you find blessing and success on your journey this year!
