I’m not going into 2026 chasing more goals or trying to build a perfect plan. I’m defining the kind of man I’m committing to be—and then aligning my daily actions to that standard. For me, this year is about a faith that is alive and active. Not just something I believe or talk about, but something that shows up in obedience, trust, and daily decisions—especially when it’s uncomfortable or unseen. It’s about leading my home well. Being a husband and father who is present, loving, adventurous, and selfless. Choosing sacrifice over convenience. Giving my family my best energy, not what’s left over at the end of the day. It’s about integrity. Doing what I say I’m going to do. Keeping my word. Living the same in private as I do in public, because character matters more than reputation. It’s about taking full ownership of my life. No blame. No excuses. No drifting. I am responsible for my actions, my habits, and the direction my life is heading. And it’s about chasing adventure. Spending more time outside. Choosing hard things. Getting into the mountains, on the trails, and in places that remind me what it feels like to be fully alive and fully dependent on God. I’m not aiming for perfection in 2026. I’m aiming for faithfulness. Daily discipline. Clear direction. And consistent action. If you’re stepping into this year, don’t just set goals—set a standard. Then build your days to match it. Question for the group: What is the standard you’re committing to live by this year?

This isn’t a reset. It’s a return to the work. Leadership isn’t built by intentions, resolutions, or watching others do hard things. It’s built the same way strength is built in the gym: ➡️ Showing up ➡️ Carrying weight ➡️ Training under resistance ➡️ Repeating the fundamentals when motivation fades This year, The Forge exists for one reason: to sharpen your edge. Not theory. Not hype. Skill. We will train: - Courage — choosing the hard right over the easy wrong - Discipline — doing the work when no one is watching - Communication — speaking clearly, listening fully, leading decisively - Decision-making — acting under pressure, owning outcomes Pressure isn’t the enemy. Pressure is the tool. Steel is useless until it’s heated, hammered, and refined. Leadership is no different. So as we start this year, ask yourself: - Where have I been coasting? - What weight have I been avoiding? - What discipline, if trained daily, would change everything? This year in The Forge, we don’t wait to feel ready. We train until we are. Welcome back to the fire. Let’s get to work. 🔥

A new year doesn’t change your life. Direction does. You don’t need a massive overhaul, a perfect plan, or insane motivation to start strong. You need clarity, discipline, and consistency—done daily. Here’s how to kick this year off in the direction you actually want to go: 1️⃣ Pick a direction before you pick goals Ask yourself: Who do I want to be by the end of this year? Stronger? More disciplined? Closer to Christ? More present as a husband/father? Identity comes first. Habits follow. 2️⃣ Start with one non-negotiable daily standard Not 10 habits. Not a full life reset. One thing you will do every single day no matter what. – Train your body – Spend time with God – Get outside – Eliminate one distraction Momentum is built by showing up, not by doing everything. 3️⃣ Win the morning, guard your inputs What you consume shapes who you become. If the first thing you reach for is your phone, the world sets your pace. If the first thing you reach for is discipline, you set the tone. 4️⃣ Embrace the hard early Discomfort isn’t the enemy—it’s the doorway. The cold mornings, the early workouts, the quiet prayer time when no one sees it… That’s where transformation happens. 5️⃣ Stack days, not emotions You won’t feel motivated every day. That’s normal. What matters is that you keep stacking days. Faithfulness > intensity. This community exists for men who want more than comfort. More strength. More discipline. More purpose. More faith. Let’s start this year on offense—together. 👇 Drop one standard you’re committing to daily this year. Make it simple. Make it public. Then do the work. — HVNWRD

Scripture: “The greatest among you will be your servant.” – Matthew 23:11 True leadership in God’s Kingdom isn’t about climbing higher—it’s about kneeling lower. The world measures leaders by how many people serve them; Jesus measures leaders by how many people they serve. When you lead today—whether in a meeting, a conversation, or even at home—ask yourself: Am I using my influence to lift others up or to lift myself up? 💭 Reflection: Great leaders don’t just have authority; they have humility.

“The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.” — Proverbs 16:9 As leaders, we all love to dream, plan, and move with intention. But I’ve learned that true leadership is about holding those plans loosely and trusting God with the outcome. You can map out the path — but He’s the one who establishes your steps. Sometimes the reroutes, delays, or unexpected turns are actually the way He’s building something deeper in you. Thought: Lead with vision, but walk with surrender.