The “Old Rules” of leadership are broken. For decades, we’ve been told that leadership is about command, control, and the “big leap”—that heroic moment when a leader jumps across the valley from aspiration to action.
But as we enter 2026, the data and the reality on the ground tell a different story. True leadership is more of a rehearsal than a “leap.” Whether I am leading Marines in high-stakes environments or mentoring parents through Parent-Child-Connect, I have found that the most impactful leaders find ways to influence others to be creative contributors and problem solvers.
The 2026 Blueprint: Stop Planning, Start Executing
We’ve officially crossed into 2026. For many of us leaders and parents, this time of year is a cycle of “high-definition dreaming” followed by “low-impact execution.” We set the goal, buy the planner, and then we get paralyzed by the gap between where we are and where we want to be.
If you’re tired of the “New Year, same results” cycle, it’s time to change your methodology. I recently sat down for two powerful conversations that dive into why the “old rules” of leadership are broken and how a One Day, One Rep mindset changes everything.
To start this year, I sat down with Dr. Bobby Shelton (Self-Leadership Lab) and Utkarsh Narang (Ignited Neurons) to deconstruct how we can stop overthinking our goals and start executing our legacy.
1. The D.O.P.E. Framework: Architecture for Action
Here’s the truth: most people fail their January goals by February because they suffer from “paralysis by analysis.” They have the dream, but lack the bridge to reality. To solve this, I utilize the D.O.P.E. Framework, a system designed to move you from a blurry vision to a non-negotiable reality:
- Dream in 4K (High-definition): Don’t settle for a black-and-white sketch of your future. You must visualize your goals in high-definition. If you can’t see the “why” in 4K, you won’t have the fuel to survive the “how.”
- Offload the Dream…and the Mental Load: This is two-fold: 1. You need to brain dump that dream in your journal, record it in your phone, sketch it out in a notebook–whatever you have to do to record your idea. The process of braindumping your vision and holding it in your hand is a powerful psychological step because your brain starts to associate multiple senses with what was previously an abstract idea. In other words, the act of recording your dream forces your brain to begin rehearsals, mentally preparing you to achieve your goals. 2. Your brain is a processor, not a hard drive. Use “brain dumps” to clear mental clutter. As I discussed with Utkarsh Narang, if your mind is full of “clutter,” your vision has no room to breathe.
- Plan with Proximity: In the Marine Corps, we don’t just “go.” We “pull the boat to the dock.” This means checking your resources and mental readiness before you jump. If the gap is too wide, build a shorter bridge.
- Execute the 70% Plan: A 70% plan executed with intention beats a 100% plan that never leaves the station. Perfection is the enemy of the “One Day, One Rep” mindset.
2. The “FedEx Truck” Principle: Presence as a Platform
A common misconception in corporate America is that leadership requires a title. During my interview with Dr. Bobby Shelton, we discussed the “FedEx Truck Principle.” I once saw a delivery driver whose sheer excitement for his work shifted the energy of an entire neighborhood.
He didn’t have an executive title, but he had presence. Your platform is simply the space you occupy today. Leadership is what happens when the cameras are off and “Murphy’s Law” hits. It’s how you stay “wired for contact” and resilient when technical difficulties or life challenges arise.
3. The “Who’s Next?” Principle: Mentorship as the Ultimate Metric
The ultimate metric of leadership isn’t your own success; it’s the success of those who follow you. In my upcoming book, Lead Last, I explore the idea that leadership is a learned rehearsal.
Every interaction you have with your child or a junior employee is a “leadership rep.” To lead effectively, you must “get into their space” and understand their why. We aren’t just building careers; we are establishing a legacy. If your leadership doesn’t outlast you, did you really lead?
The 2026 Challenge: Identify Your “Non-Negotiable Rep”
Thought leadership without action is just noise. That’s one reason why self-help or thought-leadership critics exist: many ideas are regurgitated, but there isn’t enough action. As you look ahead to the year, stop looking for the “big leap.” Instead, identify your Non-Negotiable Rep.
- Pull the Boat Closer: What is the one thing you will do today—not tomorrow—to reduce the friction between you and your goal?
- Lead Yourself First: How will you master your own discipline before you attempt to lead your community?
The rehearsal is over. It’s time to execute.
Listen to the shows
Here is my conversation with Dr. Bobby Shelton on The Leadership Lab Podcast:
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-self-leadership-lab/id1820794207?i=1000744679717
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/06OOmZxloOwJYbU7UmkP5z?si=5ABU8OMLRBSHWcwX-ih6pg
YouTube:
Here is my conversation with Utkarsh Narang on There IgnitedNeurons Podcast:
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/za/podcast/55-the-framework-to-stop-overthinking-and-start-living/id1786978249?i=1000744565293
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6uYKL3Rlkexyfwsf059yRa?si=YmA1xUyOR2aAdP9nQi5onw&t=0
YouTube:
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