Your mindset is your launchpad.

It’s made up of three simple things:

This “ABCD” framework sets your direction and keeps you aligned when things get noisy. Especially with things like tech, AI, and constant change.

Ask yourself:

Most people don’t slow down to answer these. You’re not most people.

Take 10 minutes and do this:

Then put these where you’ll see them daily.

Mindset = Attitude + Belief + Clarity of Definition

Come back to your notes when you feel like you are veering off path. Is your attitude aligned with your expectations? How do your beliefs help you get back on track, and “believe” again?

Most important? - The definition of success. Is it clear? If not, how can you maintain focus.

Build by design, not default.

“Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

Let’s talk about mindset. The kind that hold up when things get hard.

Mike breaks mindset down into a simple definition. Mindset is attitude, belief, and clarity of definition. Not complicated, but powerful when you slow down long enough to be intentional.

If you and I don’t mean the same thing when we say leadership, progress, or success, there is going to be a communication gap. Clarity of definition gives us a shared language and shared language is how teams (and individuals) move forward.

Attitude and belief? Well, those are personal. No one controls them but you. You get to choose what you bring into the new year.

Optimism or cynicism.

Focus or distraction.

Ownership or excuses.

We already know that 2026 is going to come with plenty of noise. Tech noise. AI noise. The “you should be doing this” noise. If you don’t decide what matters ahead of time, the noise will definitely decide for you.

That’s where skillset comes in. Tools alone won’t save us. The leaders who thrive will be the ones who get better at decision-making and problem-solving. Both skills that help you filter the noise, manage your time, and focus on what moves you forward. When skills guide how you use tools, the tech becomes leverage instead of distraction.

Three Things You Can Do This Week

You don’t need a full retreat to start strong. Try this:

Your mindset will wobble. Having your definitions and beliefs written down gives you something to come back to when it does.

If this resonated, chances are someone you work with is feeling the same pull to start the year with more intention. Forward this to a friend or colleague who could use some clarity before their calendar starts to fill. Starting strong is easier when we don’t do it alone.

Build by design.

Choose your mindset before the noise chooses it for you.

And make 2026 a year you are proud of.

If you’re nodding along thinking, “Yep, I need to get more intentional about this,” you’re not alone. We’re hosting two upcoming webinars:

Setting Goals That Move Your Career

Decide Like a Leader

Both are designed to help you build clarity and confidence. Come learn, reflect, and leave with tools you can use.

Register here for Setting Goals That Move Your Career

Before you ring in the New Year, join us for a free webinar: Setting Goals That Move Your Career.

📆 Tuesday, December 30th

🕗 9:30am Pacific

Save your seat here

Keep putting one intentional step in front of the other - the view gets better and better as you climb.

We’d love if you would share this with someone who is ready to start 2026 strong.

The Find My Catalyst Team