How to CRUSH 2026 - Part 3
Plan for the Dip + Measure What Matters
Most people don’t fail because they’re weak. They fail because they weren’t prepared. Let’s finish strong by examining the last 2 of the 6 Keys to Crushing 2026.
KEY 5 — Plan for the Dip (Because the Dip Is Coming)
Strava analyzed 31.5 million workouts and discovered that January 9th is officially “Quitter’s Day.”
Why January 9th? Because the novelty has worn off.
Motivation dips.
Life gets busy.
The grind begins.
Most people interpret that dip as failure. High performers interpret it as training.
You will hit resistance.
You will feel tired.
You will skip a day.
The question is not “Will the dip come?” The question is “Who will I be when it does?”
To survive the dip, prepare now. Need some suggestions?
Pre-write a note titled “Why I must not quit.”
Schedule workouts as non-negotiable appointments.
Add a friend to hold you accountable.
Celebrate small wins during the dip instead of waiting for perfection.
The dip is not a sign you’re doing it wrong. It’s the sign you’re finally doing it.
KEY 6 — Measure What Matters (Weekly or It Won’t Stick)
If you don’t measure it, you won’t improve it. Peter Drucker famously said, “You can't manage what you don’t measure.” In what later became the Pearson Law, Karl Pearson observed in the early 1900s: “That which is measured improves. That which is measured and reported improves exponentially.”
Additionally, studies show that weekly reviews increase goal follow-through by up to 40%. Not yearly. Not quarterly. Weekly!
Many of you have gone through my 50-Day Guide to Growth, The Stay Ready Journal. It includes a review and preview section at the end of every week. It’s mission-critical to measure what matters, chronicle the learnings, and keep score. Your brain needs regular reflection to reinforce progress.
If you have the Stay Ready Journal, use it. If not, here’s a simple 10-minute weekly rhythm to follow.
THE “JON METHOD” WEEKLY REVIEW
Wins: What went well this week?
Whiffs: What didn’t go well?
What’s Next: What’s the next small step to take?
Simple. Clear. Repeatable.
This rhythm creates momentum — and momentum creates results.
THE FINAL TAKEAWAY
Most people will quit by January 9th. But you’re not most people.
You’ve got the identity tools.
You’ve got the environment.
You’ve got the accountability.
You’ve got the plan for the dip.
And you’ve got a weekly system to keep you moving.
2026 is not waiting for you — it’s inviting you.
Just a heads up, the final episode of Season 1 of The Unfinished Leadership Podcast will drop on Tuesday, December 30th, and you won’t want to miss it. We’ll discuss these 6 Keys to Crushing 2026. I hope you check it out, share it with a friend, and enjoy the Episode Guide.
What a joy it’s been to add value to your life of ongoing transformation in 2025.
As for 2026, go CRUSH it for the good of you, everyone around you, and ultimately for the glory of God.
Soli Deo gloria,
Jon