Welcome to One Thing Better. Each week, the editor in chief of Entrepreneur magazine (that's me) shares one way to achieve a breakthrough at work — and build a career or company you love.
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You're probably thinking about the year ahead.
What worked in 2025. What didn't. What you want from 2026.
Here's a year-end tactic I've found incredibly clarifying, and that can help you too:
I give every new year a theme.
It helps me prioritize what matters without getting locked into narrow goals. And once I choose it, it guides my decisions all year long.
I'll share how it works, and how it can help you thrive in 2026... but first, here's how it all started.
When I began theming my years
In 2023, two major contracts were ending. Together, they made up most of my income. That meant 2024 was shaping up to be a financial cliff, and I was scared.
So that December, I came up with an idea: I declared 2024 to be "the year of opportunity creation."
To me, that meant increasing visibility, seeking partnerships, and creating new opportunities — however they emerged.
By the end of 2024, I'd done it. But I was also exhausted by everything I'd taken on. So I made a new decision: 2025 would be "the year of opportunity balance."
That's what I spent this past year doing. I pulled back. Renegotiated commitments. Said "no" more often. It felt stabilizing.
Now, as 2025 ends, I'm thinking about what comes next.
You should theme your year, too
Here's why I love this ritual.
When you declare a theme, you're really declaring a full-year priority — and making it hard to forget. I share my theme with everyone: my wife, friends, business partners. I repeat it to myself throughout the year. It becomes a filter for decisions.
And critically: Themes don't lock you into specific outcomes.
In 2024, for example, I could've said, "I want to make an extra $100K this year." But that would have pushed me toward short-term money grabs — like day-trading on Robinhood or selling crap on eBay.
None of that would have solved my long-term problem. What I really needed was a more resilient professional life, so that my income wasn't tied to a few contracts.
The theme gave me room to explore, experiment, and discover what actually worked — without chasing a narrow definition of success.
That's the power of themes. Goals can blind us to the big picture; themes keep us oriented while we move.
Here's how to create your own theme
Ready to start? Just follow these two steps.
Step 1: Identify a central problem to solve next year.
In 2024, I needed more opportunity. In 2025, I needed balance. These are big problems that require sustained attention, not quick wins.
So, what's yours?
Step 2: Set an intention, not an outcome.
Your theme should be:
- Compelling enough to commit to
- Broad enough to say in fewer than five words
Ask yourself: At the end of next year, what general statement do I want to be able to make?
For me, it was simple: I created more opportunity (2024). I balanced those opportunities (2025).
Once you have it, tell people. Which brings me to mine...
How I decided my 2026 theme
I asked myself: What feels missing in my life?
I love my work, but I don't spend enough quality time with people I enjoy. Too many conversations happen in 30-minute meetings. There's too much time alone at my computer.
As an extrovert, I hate this. My energy (and my best ideas!) come from being with people.
So I made a decision.
My 2026 theme is: Less work, more people.
I want more lunches, coffees, walks, hikes. When I take on new projects, I'll prioritize ones that are socially additive — more collaboration, more connection.
How exactly will I do that? I don't know. But good news: I have a whole year to figure it out.
So, what's your theme?
Maybe it's the year of taking risks. Or saying no. Or building something. Or slowing down. Or speaking up.
Whatever it is, it should feel both aspirational and achievable. It should excite you to think about it, and also be broad enough to pursue in multiple ways.
Now let's do something fun...
➡️ Have a theme? Tell me in this form!
Next week, in my final newsletter of 2025, I'll share some of your answers.
Then we can all look towards 2026 together — and create the year we want it to be.
That's how to do one thing better.
Free branding advice from one of the world's best!
Great products fail because packaging isn't clear.
If shoppers don't instantly understand why your product is for them, they move on.
So... are you being clear enough?
On January 15, I'll help you get that clarity — with my free packaging gut-check call with Emily Heyward of Red Antler (who branded Supergoop!, Allbirds, and Casper).
We will…
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Final notes for today...
P.S. Hear my conversation with Shark Tank's Robert Herjavec. He shared incredible advice on fundraising and sales. Listen here.
P.P.S.Send this newsletter to someone who needs it! Forward to them, or just send this link to today's edition.
That's all for this week! See you next Tuesday.
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