It has become a practice of mine to spend time with God at the start of a new year. I reflect on the previous year and ask for a word to carry into the next. I’ve found this practice extremely impactful as I can see how God moved during the past year and get a sense of how he intends to move this year.

January 2025 started with unwanted rest. But out of that unwanted rest came a word that stayed on my whiteboard all year.

Preparation.

At the time, I did not know what God was preparing me for. I just sensed it would be a theme for the year. Alongside that word, I kept a simple prayer for my family on the board:

May we be a family that waits and seeks the Lord.

Looking back, “preparation” was closer to God telling me, “Do not worry. I know what is coming and where I am moving you.”

Between expected and unexpected medical trips, new business opportunities, and God revealing deep desires in my heart, He sustained my family through it all.

That prayer shaped me and my family in ways I did not expect. I am especially thankful for the depth that grew in my relationship with my family, and for how God drew us closer to Himself throughout the year.

This year, the word that keeps pressing in is:

Cultivation.

Cultivation is the intentional, ongoing work of caring for what has been planted so that it can grow to maturity and produce fruit.

I believe last year was a year of planting seeds in business, in my faith, and at home. My desire is to see those seeds produce fruit, and I recognize that I need to tend to them, nurture them, and water them.

I also keep thinking about Jesus’ words. He is the true vine and we are the branches. Apart from Him we can do nothing, but with Him we can bear much fruit.

So what does this look like in real life? How do I cultivate what has been planted and actually abide in Christ? What will make 2026 different than 2025?

One of the simplest frameworks I have found to move from intention to change is to ask three questions:

What do I need to continue doing
What do I need to stop doing
What do I need to start doing

These questions help identify specific actions that support growth, and the actions that quietly work against it. Here are a few examples from my own life.

One of the best habits that came out of 2025 was developing a stronger prayer life. My morning walks and talks with God have led to deeper relationship with Him, and more resilience to handle the challenges of the day.

Exercising regularly with friends has also been significantly beneficial for my health and my work.

In business, I have identified a few activities that produce outsized results. They are not exciting. They can be boring. But sticking to my daily minimums has helped me grow.

To start the year, I am taking a break from social media, aside from what is required for work.

I have noticed how much clearer my mind becomes the longer I stay away from constant input. In the same way, reducing my overall tech use in the evenings has a huge impact on my sleep.

Running weekly. I hate running, but there are real health benefits, and I want to build discipline in it.

I also want to gradually increase my content output. I am still clarifying what this looks like, but I believe it likely means more video and more resources for you.

I had the opportunity to be a speaker at the Christian Business Leaders Summit. I spoke with Ed Potoczak about:

You can check out the full conversation below.

We are still running the Anchored Accountability Challenge.

This 7 day coaching and accountability sprint is for anyone who wants a partner to walk alongside them, help prioritize their most important work, and provide the accountability needed to execute.

Click the link to see how you can run the challenge for Free!

I pray that God reveals Himself to you this year in a personal and powerful way. Praise God for His grace.

May you be Anchored in Christ!
Jacob Dyke