As we close out the year, it's time for one of the most anticipated Solo Sunday episodes: Brian's one word for 2026. For the eighth year in a row, Brian is ditching the long list of easily-forgotten New Year's resolutions for a far more powerful approach — choosing a single word to serve as a theme, a filter, and a guide for the entire year. In this episode, he walks through his words from the past seven years (like Better, Output, and Bigger) to show how each one built on the last, creating a powerful trajectory of growth. He then reveals his word for 2026, "Systems," and breaks down why building systems in your business and life is the key to creating freedom, consistency, and a business that runs without you as the bottleneck.
✨ Why This Matters for You
Choosing one word is more than a trendy exercise; it's a strategic tool for entrepreneurs:
- It provides clarity and focus, cutting through the noise of a dozen competing goals.
- It acts as a simple filter for decision-making. Does this opportunity align with your word?
- It creates a theme that guides your actions, ensuring you’re consistently moving in the right direction.
- It turns your year from a series of random events into an intentional journey of growth.
- It helps you build a business and life that are aligned with a single, powerful vision.
📝 Key Takeaways
- One Word > Resolutions. The one-word concept provides a single point of focus that centers your character and creates a vision for your future, unlike resolutions which are often abandoned by February.
- A Lens for Action. Your chosen word becomes the filter through which you view opportunities, challenges, and decisions. When Brian’s word was "Bigger," he constantly asked, "How can we make this bigger?"
- Evolution of Focus. Brian’s journey from "Better" to "Output" to "Actions" and beyond shows how each year’s theme builds on the last, creating a compounding effect of personal and professional growth over time.
- 2026 is About "Systems." Brian's word for 2026 is "Systems." The goal is to build repeatable processes that remove you as the bottleneck, ensure consistency, and turn your business into an "infinite game" that can run without your constant manual effort.
- Systems Create Freedom. By systematizing the routine, mundane, and day-to-day tasks, you free up the mental and emotional energy to be more spontaneous, creative, and present in both your life and business.
🚀 Put It Into Action
This week, take on the one-word challenge for yourself:
- Reflect on the year ahead. What do you want more of? What do you need to focus on to get to the next level?
- Brainstorm a list of potential words that capture that feeling or theme.
- Choose the ONE word that resonates most deeply and feels right for your next chapter.
- Share it! Brian would love to hear your word. Drop him an email at hello@imetbrian.com and let him know what your focus is for 2026.
🔗 Stay Connected
- Subscribe to the show so you never miss an episode
- Connect with Brian on Instagram @imetbrian
- Share this episode with a fellow entrepreneur who is ready to set a powerful intention for the new year.
📣 Special Thanks and Shout Out to a Brilliant Creator!
A huge thank you to the folks at MyOneWord.org. Brian was introduced to this concept by them nearly a decade ago, and it has been a foundational part of his annual planning ever since. We highly recommend you visit their site to learn more about this transformative practice
