Be intentional in 2026

As the new year begins, it presents us all with an opportunity to do an audit of our lives. To

look at the things that take up our time and energy, and maybe think about where the gaps

are where we could get involved in other things.

This time last year, my wife, Jenny, decided to take some art classes. At the time, her

expectations were fairly low, but over the year, she has realised that she has a real gift. She

has created some great artwork, which is displayed in both our daughter’s hall and our

kitchen. Without the intent to attend the course, none of this would have become a reality.

For most of us, it is a challenge to look down the road and see what is in store for us this

year. Of course, there are the mundane things that populate our lives, but I want to focus

on where the road is about to disappear in this photograph. You can start with the best

intentions, but sometimes life has a habit of getting in the way of our progress. If you look

at where the road appears to run out, consider where you want to be and what you want to

be doing.

As a safe driver, you should look well ahead—farther than the car directly in front of you. In

life, we should do the same, but how far in front do we look?

Let’s imagine you are walking down the road of life, thinking about what you want to do this

year. What I want to say to you is “be intentional.” Whether it is your studies, your job,

your family, your friends, or what you get involved in within your community. It might be

how you are using your gifts at the moment (the things you are naturally good at) or how

you interact with other people in groups you attend. Think about the gaps in your life. Is

there something new that you could start doing that will enrich your life and the lives of

others? Perhaps you have been thinking about it for a while, but you have never really got

going. Maybe now is the time.

Being intentional particularly relates to our friendships. As I have gotten older, I have

realised that you have to work hard at relationships. You need to invest in them. Rather

than waiting for people to contact you, be intentional and be the first to reach out to them.

Using the image of the road, who are you walking with at the moment? We are not

designed to be islands. We are designed to be in relationship with others. Are there people

who have been significant in your life in the past who you have lost touch with? This might

be a good time to contact them. There may be people who have featured in your friendship

group, people who are good for you. Just as one piece of iron can sharpen another through

friction, people improve each other through interaction. Are there people like that who

have been in your life that you can look up and re-engage with? And thirdly, be alert to new

friendships in 2026. It was Michael Bublé who sang “I just haven’t met you yet.”

So, if you are looking for positive change in 2026, be intentional. I encourage you to put

that phrase in your memory bank and to start using it.

Until the next time. Happy New Year.