Shedding the Fat and Gaining Momentum: Preparing for 2026 the Right Way

Every January, gyms are packed, kale is flying off the shelves, and suddenly everyone’s best friend is a scale. We set goals to lose weight, eat clean, and finally fit into those jeans we’ve been staring at for three years.

But here’s the thing, while most people focus on trimming their waistlines, very few talk about shedding the fat that creeps into our businesses, communication, and relationships. And make no mistake, it’s there.

I’m not talking about the donuts in the breakroom (although, if the shoe fits…). I’m talking about the bloat that builds up over time when we stop sharpening our edge — when our conversations become mechanical, our listening becomes selective, and our communication starts running on autopilot.

In business, “fat” looks like stale messaging, half-listening, or simply coasting on what used to work. In relationships, it’s when we hear people but don’t really listen. In dialogue, it’s when we talk at people, not with them.

Before you know it, the agility that once defined your business has been replaced with sluggish conversations, vague goals, and uninspired execution. It’s like trying to run a marathon wearing ankle weights, technically possible, but unnecessarily painful.

Over the years, I’ve invested countless hours, coaches, classes, and more dollars than I care to count into refining how I communicate, lead, and build relationships. And you know what? Every single investment had the potential to go to waste.

Why? Because knowledge without implementation is like a gym membership you never use. It looks great on paper, but it won’t get you anywhere.

Through all those trainings, one truth became crystal clear:

“Knowing what to say isn’t nearly as important as how you say it.”

That little extra UMPH behind your words — the clarity, the confidence, the intentionality — is what signals to potential clients and current ones alike:

“I’m here. I’m listening. I understand. And I care.”

As we prepare for 2026, this isn’t the time to coast. This is the time to tighten the message, sharpen the delivery, and expand the impact. Lose the communication fat that’s slowing you down, the vague language, the half-listening, the weak follow-through — and replace it with Conscious Communication that moves mountains.

Because here’s the twist: while you’re busy losing weight in your personal life, your business and communication should be expanding — breaking through old ceilings, reaching new clients, and building deeper relationships.

Here’s Your 2026 Challenge:

1. Identify the “fat” in your communication. Where have you gotten complacent?
   
2. Invest wisely. Whether it’s a coach, course, or training — commit to implementation, not just inspiration.
   
3. Add the UMPH. Deliver your message with purpose, not autopilot.
   
4. Expand. Take your leaner, sharper communication and use it to scale your business to new heights.
   
   

2026 will belong to the leaders who communicate with clarity, authenticity, and power. It’s not about saying more. It’s about saying what matters — and saying it well.

So yes, shed those extra pounds if you’d like — but let’s make sure your business, influence, and communication are the ones expanding this year.

Are you ready to get lean?