A year ago, I set 5 resolutions/goals: finish my PhD dissertation; do a ‘century’ (100-mile bike ride); qualify for powerlifting world championships; be able to converse in Spain and Portugal during our vacation; and be in better shape (mentally and physically at the end of the year). Well, due to some setbacks beyond my control, I’m still working on my dissertation, so that goal carries over to ‘26. I didn’t do my century although did do more miles than the previous 10 years. I qualified for the world championships, but didn’t compete as my wife was injured. Despite almost everybody in Spain and Portugal speaking English, I still managed to converse as needed. And yes, I’m in better shape now and look forward to the new year. So, here are my goals for 2026: finish my dissertation; qualify AND win powerlifting world championships, setting at least three world records; finish my second book; complete my first Misogi (not sure what it will be yet); and gross $1M in income. That’s all… What about YOU? What are your goals/resolitions?

Be Your Future Self Now (Dr. Benjamin Hardy) The idea of future selves has been a massive focus in my Socratic Warrior journey ever since I read about 'the theory of possible selves' by Markus and Nurius about 20 years ago! Be Your Future Self Now is a direct challenge to the most common human trap: living from your past—your habits, wounds, identity labels, and old narratives—while claiming you want a different future. Dr. Ben Hardy’s thesis is that your future self isn’t a fantasy or motivational poster; it’s a precision tool. When you define a compelling future identity and start acting from it now, your present decisions change—and your trajectory follows. This lands squarely in the dissertation arena: why people don’t do what they know they should do. Hardy frames the gap as an identity conflict. People often have knowledge, skills, and ability—but they keep acting in alignment with an outdated self-concept. In Socratic Warrior terms, “performance paralysis” isn’t always a lack of discipline; it’s often a failure of identity governance. When your future self becomes vivid and non-negotiable, procrastination starts to look like self-betrayal, and action becomes congruence. Hardy’s practical strength is making future-self work operational: clarify the future, cut competing commitments, design the environment, and make today’s behaviors proof of identity. It’s not hype; it’s a framework for agency. If you’re building a high-performance life—or helping others do it—this book is a strong blueprint for turning intentions into decisions and decisions into outcomes.

Many, many years ago, one of my favorite magazines was 'Success.' I mean, seriously, why wouldn't someone--or anyone for that matter--not read a magazine with that title? Aside from the content, the thing I loved about it was the included CD (Do you remember those?). It seems like no matter where I've lived (I have moved 49 times in my life), I have always had a long commute to work, the gym, etc. And unlike most people, I didn't listen to the radio or, more recently, podcasts. But I loved listening to those Success CDs. In fact, I have listened to them so much that I have worn out every single one! I've asked many times if they are available digitally, but the magazine never responded. There are several stories I will never forget, and eventually I will discuss all of them. But here's one of my favorites. It was about a life coach's approach to helping people (I love that). He would sit down with people — singles or couples — and, after breaking the ice, ask them a series of questions about their finances, relationships, health, careers, etc. Each question began the same: On a scale of one to ten, how is/are your...? Anything less than a nine received a follow-up question: What would it take to get you to a ten? First of all, I loved his Socratic inquiry—asking questions. Next, I loved how he would let clients develop their own game plans. The dialogue would go back and forth until a plan was hatched to get them to a ten. The next step, which was paramount, was to hold them accountable. So, look at your own life and ask yourself some of these questions: On a scale of one to ten... - ...how are my relationships (significant other, family, friends, colleagues, clients, etc.)? - ...how are my finances? - ...how is my health? - ...how happy am I in my career? - ...how is my business doing? And then, anything less than a nine, ask yourself, 'What do I have to do to get to a ten?' Go ahead, try it! Let us know in the comments what you found out.

Imagine getting in your vehicle, on your bike or even on a plane and just going…somewhere. Although it might be adventurous, I doubt many of you would attempt it. The same goes for your life and the pursuit of success. The first step is to decide where you’re going. You have to set a goal! That’s how the 100-Day Challenge begins. You don’t have to decide immediately. Take a day or two if you have to. Or maybe you have had one for years and are FINALLY ready to achieve it. What’s your goal? Let’s do this!

I was just visiting another Skool and found this "Nice Takeaway": Focus less on finding opportunities and more on becoming the kind of person opportunities find. That's the kind of vibe that reminds me of this Skool, Socratic Warrior. Good work @Michael Martin