Let’s be real…
Who is thinking of productivity right now!? It’s Christmas time! I hope that you have already spent much time with family and friends, and have planned for more!
And while that is the case… here is why you subscribe to Toil+Profit: So in the midst of the revelry, you get a productivity-pulse-check. Just enough content to keep your “edge” as you compound continuous improvement, while saving time so you can live in the moment and be with loved ones.
Given the reality that time is more limited during this season, I believe the best course of action is posing a few questions/categories for your self reflection, as a sort of final diagnostic for the new year. I’ll also provide some resources, should that category interest you. It’s a “choose-your-own-adventure” issue of T+P, so you can put together a final plan to help you launch into 2026 prepared to toil and profit, instead of having no plan, or mere talk that tends to poverty.
1️⃣ Goals
Do you have at least 1 Goal for 2026?
One is better than none! It would be ideal to have 2-3 and for those goals to create compounding rhythms that lead to more growth. Learn more HERE!
2️⃣ Books / Education
Do you have at least 1 Resource for development that you’re going to start in January?
Book
Ideally you always have 1 book you’re actively reading, and you have 1 book “on the shelf” that is next up.
Want some more reading tips or how to get Audible dirt cheap… check out THIS issue of T+P.
Deep-dive Youtube Playlist on a Specific Skill
This year I learned now to Trade Options and get some passive income from my stocks 🤓💰… you can learn nearly anything on YouTube!
Education Module (Patreon / Podcast / Etc.)
I’ve previously recommended The Cost of Glory - A Podcast that surveys Plutarch’s Lives.
This year I took Dr. Stephen Wolfe’s 4 Semester Logic Class (Scholar Series) via Patreon this year. I highly recommend!
3️⃣ Fix What Bugs You
Do you have 1 thing that bothers you right now that you must make better in 2026?
Perhaps just thinking about that troublesome thing gives you a headache. But get this. If you fix it… it won’t bother you any more!
This is a rather unfocused category. So here is my best attempt to serve you when thinking about fixing what is bothersome.
🔽 The Focus Funnel - Learn how doing these 3 steps can remove what is troublesome.
🏎️ LEAN - Learn how to remove waste and get to the value.
🗂️ Get & Stay Organized - One of the more classic frustration creators.
4️⃣ Discipline
Do you have at least 1 discipline that you want to build in 2026?
Perhaps one of these things is already an annual goal. Disciplines are things that develop a system/rhythm/posture that will go with you in the years to come.
Calendar Rhythms - Exercise, development, projects, etc.
Usage of particular tools to stay on top of everything - Calendar, Notes, Task Manager
Morning Routine
Diet and Supplementation
5️⃣ Wealth Stewardship
Do you have at least 1 way that you are going to be more financially robust in 2026?
Make a budget if you don’t have one
Get a ledger so you can track and adjust that budget
Cut expenses
Learn a new investing concept
Start a new financial endeavor
Many options here, and it’s probably best to start HERE.
ℹ️ Product links in this newsletter are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
In all toil there is profit, but mere talk tends only to poverty - Proverbs 14:23
