How to Be Different in 2026

Lessons learned the hard way.

Going into 2026, I’m carrying a few lessons with me that I didn’t learn from books or podcasts — I learned them from doing things the wrong way long enough to feel the consequences.

These are mistakes I’ve made, patterns I’ve recognized, and adjustments that are already shaping this year into something better. Not louder. Not busier. Better.

If any of this resonates, take what’s useful and leave the rest.

1. Talk Less. Execute More.

Over the years, I’ve seen the same pattern repeat itself — and I’ve been guilty of it too.

People announce big goals.
They hype them up for weeks.
They stay consistent for about a week.
Then it quietly disappears.

Goals don’t need an audience. They need a system.

Set your goals using a SMART framework if that helps, but more importantly: stop announcing and start building. Execution compounds. Talking doesn’t.

Which leads directly into the next lesson.

2. Stop Adding. Start Choosing.

Every human has a finite amount of bandwidth.

I’ve spent years studying productivity. I’ve tried just about every app, system, and framework for getting more done. That effort wasn’t wasted — I’m proud of how organized and efficient my life has become.

But here’s the truth most productivity advice avoids:

A cup can only hold so much water.

If you want to add something meaningful to your life, you almost always have to remove something else.

I can’t be:

• a world-class chess player

• an ADCC No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu champion

• a business owner

• a present husband

• someone who helps around the house

• a consistent content creator

• and someone who plays video games for hours

Something has to give.

That doesn’t mean I give everything up. It means I choose deliberately. Chess once a week? Fine. Mindless time sinks? Gone.

Clarity beats chaos every time.

3. You Can’t Drag People With You

For a long time, I spent a lot of energy trying to convince people to see the world the way I do.

Martial arts is one of the best things you can do for yourself.
Fitness should be a priority.
Discipline equals freedom.

Honestly — I still believe those things.

But here’s what I’ve learned: when you invest your energy into persuading others to make “the right choices,” you set yourself up for frustration when they don’t.

People choose their own paths. All of them.

Now, I let people do what they want without a second thought. Sometimes I see choices that make my hair stand up. But that’s not my responsibility anymore.

That shift alone has been massive for my mental health.

Lead quietly. Let results speak.

4. Set Smaller Goals Than Your Ego Wants

When I set goals, I make them as small as possible on purpose.

Why?

Because I like winning.

My goal for weighted pull-ups right now isn’t some distant, impressive number. It’s 65 pounds. (I’m at 60 pounds right now) After that, it’s 67.5. Then 70.

I’m going to hit so many goals this year that momentum will carry me forward whether motivation shows up or not.

And when life forces me to pause — because it always does — I can look back at a long list of checkmarks instead of a single unfinished ambition.

Small wins stack. That’s how real confidence is built.

5. Read Every Day

Ten pages a day changes more than people want to admit.

If you don’t have ten minutes to read something that improves you as a human being, you’re lying to yourself.

Check your screen time.
You have the time.
You’re just choosing something else.

This isn’t about reading a book a week. It’s about staying in contact with ideas that sharpen you instead of dull you.

6. You Can Have Excuses or Results — Pick One

My brain has told me some impressive nonsense over the years.

“Maybe you’re gaining weight because of starvation mode.”
“Maybe you need to eat more to lean out.”

The truth was simpler and more uncomfortable: I didn’t want to give up processed carbs and sugar that I was addicted to.

When I finally stopped negotiating with myself and looked at the data — calories, sugar intake, habits — the solution was obvious.

I cut calories.
I reduced sugar.
I lost weight.
I got leaner.

It wasn’t easy. I still miss a Coke with dinner sometimes.

But it was simple.

Simple doesn’t mean easy. It means honest.

Build Quietly in 2026

That’s the theme I’m carrying forward.

Less talking.
Fewer distractions.
Smaller goals.
Better systems.

If you want guidance on fitness, nutrition, and life systems that actually work, follow along with Average Ninja.

I hope you kill it this year — quietly, consistently, and on your own terms.