One Word. One Plan. 30 Years of Learning.

2026 marks a milestone for me: 30 years in this industry. Thirty years of learning, leading, and sometimes stumbling. Thirty years of planning—not just budgets and operations, but people, priorities, and my own growth.

And this year, I’m starting with one word: Reclaim.

Not because I’ve lost my way, but because leadership—and life—is full of pieces we give away without realizing it. Energy, confidence, focus, clarity…sometimes even our own voice. It’s time to reclaim them.

The Early Lesson — My Story

Early in my career, as a regional manager, we had an urgent issue at one of the communities. I knew what needed to be done, but I doubted myself. I emailed my boss:

“What should I do?”

His reply:

“What do you think you should do?”

I laid out the options, picked what I believed was best, and his next reply was:

“Next time, let’s avoid emails 1 and 2.”

I was irritated—not at him, but at myself. That moment taught me a vital leadership truth: confidence in your own judgment is non-negotiable. Every decision, big or small, has a ripple effect. Over the years, I realized that leadership is really about what you reclaim for yourself—time, focus, boundaries, confidence, and authority.

One Word — Why Reclaim

My word is Reclaim, but yours will—and should—be different. The power of a single word isn’t gimmicky; it’s a filter for decision-making. It’s something you can hold onto when choices are overwhelming or unclear.

Your word is personal. Leaders may choose to share theirs as an example or guiding intent for their team—but it should never be assigned. Alignment comes from clarity, not compliance.

One Plan — Putting It Into Action

Words are powerful, but action is essential. That’s why I’ve created the 2026 Reclaim Planner:

• Reflect on your word and what it truly means

• Clarify priorities and boundaries

• Track decisions and progress

• Bridge personal clarity to leadership impact

It’s short, reflective, evergreen, and designed for continuous use. Whether you’re leading a team or leading yourself, this planner gives you a structure to reclaim what matters most.

30 Years of Learning

Planning isn’t about spreadsheets alone. Over three decades, I’ve learned that true planning combines vision, reflection, and action. It’s about asking tough questions:

• What is really mine to control?

• Where am I giving away time or energy unnecessarily?

• What decisions can I stop overthinking and just own?

This is the essence of reclaiming—not just operational excellence, but personal and professional alignment.

What to Reclaim — Practical Reflection

If you’re wondering where to start, here’s a framework I use in my planner:

1. Energy — What drains you? What can you protect?

2. Confidence — Which decisions do you hesitate on unnecessarily?

3. Boundaries — Where can you say “no” without guilt?

4. Focus — Which priorities truly move the needle?

Completing this reflection before diving into the year ensures your decisions are aligned with your word—and your leadership feels intentional rather than reactive.

Your Invitation

This year, I reclaim my clarity, my confidence, and my focus.

I invite you to choose your word and act on it. Reflect. Plan. Reclaim.

Do it intentionally. Make it personal. Let it guide your leadership and your life.

Your word is yours. The journey starts here.

Sign up to receive the 2026 Reclaim Planner and start the year with intention.