Since we’re embarking on a new year, there’s no better time than right now to lay the foundation for what you want to build in 2026. For years, I created collage-style vision boards on a large canvas, and while they looked great, nothing much ever came of them. Then I realized that in my effort to fill an entire board, I had clouded my vision with countless words and images, rather than focusing my future on one singular intention. That realization changed how I tackled my personal “year-end” assessment. 

I don’t know about you, but my holiday decorations go up well before Thanksgiving—and with the tree, lights, and ornaments come the Christmas carols. This year, while listening to a classic rendition of “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” it struck me that Santa Claus just might be the ultimate inclusive leader.

When people ask for my top three “hacks” for personal effectiveness, they’re usually surprised by my answer: gratitude, meditation, and sleep. They’re even more surprised that in a book about study skills, I devote multiple pages to gratitude. With Thanksgiving around the corner, I think it’s only appropriate that today’s message center on gratitude, because in my opinion, GRATITUDE CHANGES EVERYTHING. 

For many professionals, the end of the year feels like a perfect storm: Q4 deadlines, social commitments, travel, shopping, decorating, family expectations — all landing at once. If that’s you, take a deep breath. Productivity during the holidays isn’t about doing more — it’s about doing what matters, more intentionally.

When we know who we are on the inside, a shifting outside world matters less. We never really know what the future holds, but we can prepare for it by cultivating an attitude of openness, curiosity, and gratitude.

Rather than stick to the things I’m excellent at, I purposefully put myself in situations that make me uncomfortable. From Pilates to two-steppin’, to pottery classes, these challenges keep me humble, keep me hungry, and remind me that it’s never too late to learn something new!

Have you ever been so scared you couldn’t sleep? I certainly have. Oddly enough, what I’ve feared the most are things I’ve wanted most: things I’ve hoped, prayed, and worked hardest for. It’s the monster in my head—not the one under the bed—that is most formidable. So why is it that self-doubt and fear of failure can cripple a dream before it’s even had a chance to form?

For the past several months I’ve been 1) gathering data 2) validating and 3) testing. (Interestingly enough, these are the steps we take as consultants at the start of any project, so I think I’m in good methodological company.)

After extensive research, I am convinced that what learners (of any age) do now to boost their brain power, memory, and cognition–if maintained as daily health habits–can continue to impact and improve their brains (and psyches) for life.

The following are resources referenced in the print and electronic versions of the book Get the Degree Without Losing Your Mind: The Busy Student's Guide to Study Hacking.