I’m Finally Slowing Down in 2026
A simple framework to live a healthy and wealthy year.
Day 847 | $93,043.66
We often treat the New Year as a race. We sprint out of the gate, adding aggressive targets and heavy expectations to our already overflowing plates.
A close friend once told me that I had too many items on my plate and if I wasn’t careful, I risked dropping the entire dish. I took his advice, took a hard look at life, and ruthlessly eliminated things that weren’t essential.
But old habits are hard to break.
Just yesterday, I told my wife I wanted to read a new book every week in 2026. She laughed and gently reminded me that setting a goal that ambitious would only lead to more stress and quite possibly, failure. (In case you’re curious, I settled on one book a month. 😉)
This struggle to slow down doesn’t just affect my reading list; it bleeds into my money, too.
My investing habits have started to feel rushed. While I’ve managed to simplify my portfolio to 23 holdings, I still find myself habitually refreshing tickers and mainstream headlines. It’s like I’m constantly on a dopamine hunt, waiting for one of my holdings to dip just enough so I can pull the trigger and add to the stockpile.
But if you’ve been reading this newsletter, you know that I believe wealth isn’t built in a sprint. It’s a walk. And a long one at that!
During the holidays, I’ve been thinking quite a bit about these habits; the urge to rush, to consume, to tweak. I realized I need a complete shift in how I approach my days.
My word for 2026 is Transformation.
But true transformation rarely happens by adding complexity. It happens by stripping away the non-essentials to reveal the path clearly. It’s looking at your plate and removing the stuff that doesn’t nourish you.
My strategy for 2026 is simple, but difficult: Move slow. Be intentional.
Instead of a laundry list of resolutions, I’ve distilled my year down to five simple “Less/More” pairings. These are the guardrails that will keep me on the path to financial independence and personal health.
My 5 Goals for 2026
1. Less Rushing, More Pausing
I’ve spent too much of my life hurrying to the next milestone. But wealth requires patience. This year, I want to reclaim the space between the moments and trust the plan I have in place.
2. Less Noise, More Reading
The world is loud. CNBC is loud. Social media is loud. I’m trading the dopamine hits of scrolling feeds and stock alerts for the quiet, deep wisdom found in good finance books.
3. Less Spending, More Appreciating
We often spend because we are bored or unsatisfied. The antidote isn’t just frugality; it’s gratitude. I want to look at what I already have and realize it is enough.
4. Less Tweaking, More Compounding
This is the hardest one for investors. The temptation to “do something” is always there. But real wealth is built in the waiting. I’m stepping back to let my dividend strategy do the heavy lifting.
5. Less Artificial, More Realness
Wealth is useless if you don’t have the health to enjoy it. This is my umbrella for the physical body: Less alcohol, less processed food, less screen time. More water, more whole food, more real life.
How to Build Your Own “Less/More” List
I wanted to share my list not so you would copy it, but so you could see the framework. A “Less/More” list is easier to stick to than a resolution because it acknowledges the trade-off. It tells you what to stop doing so you have the energy to start doing what matters.
If you want to try this for 2026, here is a quick way to start:
1. Identify the Friction
What made you feel tired, anxious, or broke in 2025? Was it the news? The clutter? The comparison game? Write that down on the “Less” side.
2. Identify the Antidote
For every negative input, what is the positive opposite?
If your “Less” is impulse buying, your “More” might be investing.
If your “Less” is doomscrolling, your “More” might be a good book.
If your “Less” is social media, your “More” might be conversations.
3. Make it Simple
Boil it down to two words per side. “Less checking email constantly after 5 PM” becomes “Less work, More unplugged.”
4. Cap it at Five
Don’t try to change everything. Pick the 3 to 5 shifts that will have the biggest ROI on your life.
Transformation doesn’t have to be loud. It just has to be intentional.
I’d love to hear one from your list. What are you doing “Less” of in 2026?
Until next time, keep walking!
Jeremy ✌️
Disclaimer
This article is for informational and entertainment purposes only. I am not a financial advisor, broker, or tax professional. The information provided reflects my personal opinions and experiences as an individual investor and may not be accurate or current. All investment strategies and investments involve risk of loss. Any ideas presented may not be suitable for all investors and may not take into account your specific investment objectives, financial situation, or needs. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Always conduct your own due diligence and consult with qualified financial professionals before making any investment decisions.
I like the simplicity of this. It is thought provoking.
Always good to have something to fall back too when things get hectic or to combat the dopamine addiction!