What Resolutions?

I don’t believe in New Year’s resolutions! Why would we make drastic changes from the previous 365 days at the BEGINNING of a new year? If drastic change is needed in our personal or professional lives, then why have those changes not already been made? In The Long View blog and on The Long View podcast, we prefer to look at life through a much wider lens—thinking in decades instead of years and in generations instead of lifetimes.

Building a Life on Foundational Values

That’s why I believe in building a life anchored by values that stand the test of time. For my family, those values are six pillars: Faith, Family, Fantastic Education, Financial Freedom, Fitness, and Fun. These aren’t just words—they’re the foundation for every decision we make and every milestone we celebrate.

What Will They Say About You in 2056?

So, I must ask you this question as we start a new year:  In 2056, what will they say about you?  Do you have a good idea what they will say?

• Jay’s grandchildren will say he decided to retire early so he could spend every precious moment with us that he could.
• Ryan’s daughter will say he’s the best dad ever, even though he had to do it all himself.
• Mark’s children will say he never missed a practice or a game.
• Harriet’s great-grandchildren will say that she was a great leader of their family.
• Terri’s grandchildren will say she was the most fun grandmother of all time.
• Joyce’s great-grandchildren will say she passed down her faith.
• Steve’s grandchildren will say he paid for their college education.

Begin with the End in Mind

“Begin with the end in mind” is Habit 2 from Stephen R. Covey’s historic bestseller titled, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.  In it, he writes about this habit, saying, “Define clear measures of success and plan to achieve them.”  If you care at all about what they say about you in 30 years, the time to define and act upon that is now. This intention can drive you through this new year and into the decades to come.

Our Family Mission: Six Pillars That Guide Us

Some years ago, we codified our family values, just as a business would create a mission or vision statement.  We thought we could focus on six pillars throughout the chaos of the decades, much like a ship is guided by a lighthouse in an evening storm.

They say a picture is worth a thousand words. The images I’m sharing in this blog are among the best representations of what they will say about me in 2056.  Hopefully, they will say he modeled the foundational values we hold most reverent: the importance of focusing on Faith, Family, Fantastic Education, Financial Freedom, Fitness, and Fun.

Have a wonderful 2026…and beyond!

January 2026