This newsletter kicks off the new year, and I want to start with a simple confession. I did my best to disconnect over the holidays, but I still have some work to do to truly be present when I’m “off.”
One small sign that I’m getting more intentional about disconnecting is that I skipped last week’s edition.
And yes, that “skipping” came with a little guilt. But I’m starting to see it as progress, not a miss.
I may also borrow a page from Will Holland’s playbook at ThreeWill. He does a great job queuing up our company content in advance, which gives him space to truly unplug. It’s a strong example and one I can learn from.
As we step into 2026, there are three ideas I want to share. They’re simple, but I think they’re the kind that actually change how we live and lead.
1) Have fun
We only get one shot at living a full life. Some of my best moments over the break were the silly ones. The kind where you laugh too hard at a card game and realize, “This is the good stuff.” If you’re wired like me, fun can feel unproductive. I’m learning it is often the most productive thing you can do for your soul and for the people you lead.
2) Recognize what you’ve accomplished, and who you accomplished it with
At ThreeWill, our team did some amazing work in 2025. I took time to inventory wins, progress, and hard-earned lessons, and honestly… wow. It was a year worth honoring.
There’s something powerful about pausing long enough to name what went well, what we overcame, and who carried the load alongside us. Recognition is not fluff. It is fuel.
3) Do the hard work of staying the course
This one is for me as much as anyone. We all feel the pull of the new shiny thing. Starting something new is exciting. Refining something good is harder.
But refinement is where excellence grows. Improvement is where simplicity is earned. Staying the course is how you turn effort into impact.
Looking Ahead: Doubling Down on Human Services
At ThreeWill, we’re continuing to refine our focus on Human Services. This year is all about communicating what we’ve built for this industry and building genuine relationships with those we serve. I’m grateful we’ve made this move toward a niche that speaks to my heart and helps an often underserved market.
My commitment for 2026: Every single week, I’ll have at least one meaningful interaction in Human Services. Whether that’s talking with providers, having lunch with community leaders, or volunteering directly. It’s about raising the dignity of every human being who deserves proper care and support.
From Farm to Business: The Planning Season
January on the farm means planting seeds and mapping out the year’s harvest. I am deciding what gets planted where, when, and backing that into a germination schedule. Next week, our leadership team is doing the same strategic work with our Annual Pulse (a term from EOS Worldwide for annual planning and recalibrating to the vision), planning ThreeWill’s year ahead.
There’s something energizing about being at the start of a new year for both ThreeWill and Iron Mountain Organics.
A Wish for All of Us
I hope everyone has had the right amount of rest and relaxation to tackle another year with purpose. Let’s take our gifts and passion and channel them into something the world truly needs.
I feel fortunate to have the drive to provide better productivity to Human Services with less chaos and more quality care, while also growing healthy, flavorful vegetables for my neighbors and community.
Here’s to a year of intention, impact, and maybe a few more family card games along the way.
What are you doubling down on this year?
This post first appeared on January 2, 2026 in Sowing Success, my weekly LinkedIn newsletter on leadership and organic farming. Read the original on LinkedIn.
