Every year I make goals. It’s been a habit I learned years ago and have taught many people to do the same.

 

One of the challenges for me has always been knowing what I truly wanted—and asking myself an even deeper question:

 

Is this the greatest thing I can do with my life?

 

I’ve asked that question more than ever since my divorce.

 

As difficult as that experience was—the hardest thing I’ve ever faced—it also reset something in me.

 

It forced me to seriously ask a fundamental question:

 

What truly matters? What does my heart really want?

 

I realized that if I go after what I deeply want, and commit to living the best life I can, then my divorce is not some kind of mistake.

 

It may have actually propelled me into a better way of living.

 

And I also realized this may be the greatest thing I can model for my children—because anything in life can be taken from you.

 

So where did I begin?

 

I looked back over the past year.

 

What did I do well?

Where were my challenges and frustrations?

What could I learn?

 

In 2025, I went to Africa with my daughter. I watched her graduate and go on to college.

 

My son transitioned to high school and did an incredible job disciplining himself—physically, mentally, and academically.

 

Then I zoomed out and looked across the years.

 

What I kept seeing—consistently—was how hard I’ve been on myself.

 

So what I decided for 2026 is this:

to be a bit easier.

To trust more.

To enjoy my life.

To explore.

To have fun.

And to let myself be the man I already am.

 

I certainly don’t have all the answers.

 

And sometimes I feel like I should—but that’s just not true.

 

The truth is, I don’t always know exactly where I’m going.

 

And yet, I do have a lot written down.

 

What’s different this year isn’t what my goals are—it’s how I’m going about them.

 

This year, I’m going to be quieter.

More in my heart.

I’m going to take deeper breaths.

I’m not going to panic when I don’t know what to do.

I’m going to enjoy my life more.

And when I am clear, I won’t hesitate—I’ll go for it.

I’m going to laugh more.

Drive a little slower.

Listen a little deeper.

Join a few groups that truly matter to me.

Stretch more. Keep my body flexible.

 

Most of all, I want to make my decisions from the deepest part of myself this year.

 

If I don’t know what to do, I’ll do nothing—until I can get centered again.

 

No more doing things just to be “good,” but actually being myself fully, unapologetically.

 

This year, I’m in my own corner.

 

I’m my own best friend.

 

No more worrying. No more living from an empty cup.

 

That’s what the divorce taught me—not that I could change someone else’s decisions, but that if I live aligned with my purpose, my values, and who I truly am, then people may come and go… but I will not have betrayed myself.

 

When Richard Gere once won an Academy Award, an interviewer asked him if it was hard to prepare for the role.

 

He replied, “Not as hard as opening your heart.”

 

I think he was right.

 

Opening your heart may be the hardest thing you’ll ever do—and it’s definitely a journey.

 

But for me, I don’t see any other way.

 

If any of this speaks to you—if you’re in a season of transition, feeling a little lost, or sensing there’s a deeper way you want to live—this is the work I love.

 

I work with people coaching and physical training who want to slow down, listen more deeply to themselves, and make decisions from a truer place rather than forcing the next step.

 

If that resonates, just hit reply.

 

Let’s have a real conversation.

 

Happy New Year!

 

Much love,

Bert