How to CRUSH 2026 - Part 1
Win the Identity Game & Build Tiny Wins
As we head into a new year, most people are setting goals. But there’s a problem: 92% won’t stick with them. In fact, Strava’s research found that January 9th is “Quitter’s Day” — the day when most people abandon their New Year’s resolutions.
But you’re not “most people.”
If you want to truly crush 2026, it starts with understanding the science of lasting change.
Over the course of December, I’ll be sharing “6 Keys to Crushing 2026”, along with a Podcast just before NYE. Here are the first two research-backed keys.
KEY 1 — Win the Identity Game (Not the Willpower Game)
Every year, millions of people try to white-knuckle their way into transformation. But - willpower is a terrible long-term strategy.
The science is clear:
Identity → shapes your systems → shapes your habits → shapes your results.
James Clear, author of Atomic Habits, puts it like this:
“You don’t rise to the level of your goals.
You fall to the level of your systems.”
And what drives your systems? Identity.
If you want to succeed in 2026, don’t start with goals. Start with who you want to become.
Ask yourself:
“What type of person follows through?”
“What identity matches the future I feel called to?”
“What do I want people to confidently say about me by this time next year?”
When your identity shifts, your behaviors naturally follow. Identity isn’t about perfection — it’s about direction.
Change the identity, and the habits will rise to meet it. Every day, write down a truth statement about who you are in your journal. For years, I wrote “I am disciplined” every day. Over time, this had a profound impact on my life. Think WHO before DO.
KEY 2 — Build Tiny Wins That Compete With Dopamine
Stanford researcher BJ Fogg has shown that “tiny habits” create a dopamine loop your brain loves. The smaller the habit, the more likely it is to stick — because your brain registers it as a “win.” This is a game-changer.
This is why people who start small tend to finish big.
Want to exercise more? Start with 10 pushups, not a 1-hour routine.
Want to read 20 books? Start with 1 page a day, not 50.
Want to journal every day? Write one sentence of gratitude.
Each tiny win creates a neurochemical reward that tells your body:
“This feels good. Let’s do it again.”
In other words: Tiny habits are small, but they’re not weak — they’re neurochemically strong.
Build tiny wins now, and momentum will carry you through the momentum dip everyone else hits by January 9th. After reading Fogger’s book, “Tiny Habits”, I started saying, “Today is going to be a great day” every morning when my feet hit the floor. BJ calls it the Maui Habit; it’s tiny and yet a habit you can stack others upon. Try it!
THE TAKEAWAY
Most people wait for motivation. Winners build identity.
Most people chase big goals. Winners build small wins that compound.
If these two keys become part of your January rhythm, you’ll already be operating in the top 10% by the time most people quit.
Part 2 is coming next week. Until then, begin preparing for 2026 by getting clear on WHO you want to become and WHAT tiny habits you want to standardize.
Stay Ready,
Jon