It’s almost the end of the year.
I just came from the sports club with my wife and kids. We were in the kiddie pool area — and I noticed they refurbished it. Super nicely done. They rubberized the floor and even the sides, which is honestly brilliant. It prevents those accidents that can turn gnarly – fast, especially with kids running around, slipping, laughing, being kids.
And while I was playing with my kids in that wading pool…
I realized something that hit me like a quiet punch to the chest:
I haven’t been able to do this for the entire year.
Not like this.
Not fully present. Not fully there.
Just… me, with my kids, living inside the moment—without thinking about anything else. Without worrying about the next meeting. The next fire. The next urgent thing that’s about to hit me dab smack in the face.
For a few minutes, it was peace.
And I felt joy.
The kind of joy that doesn’t come from finishing tasks. Or “winning” at work. Or closing something big.
It was the joy of being able to say: “This is it. This is my magic moment with my children.”
And they loved it.
They’ll remember it.
That is so important to me.
The Quiet Trade I Didn’t Notice I Was Making
Somewhere along the way this year, I forgot how important that is — for me and for them.
Because the whirlwind doesn’t just eat your time.
It eats your attention.
It eats at your core.
Instead of thinking about your family, your children, your future with them… your mind keeps snapping back to the next thing you have to do.
Sometimes for people you don’t even know.
Sometimes for people who may never truly understand what you do for them.
Sometimes for people who might not even appreciate it.
Sometimes for critics who don’t matter long-term in life.
And then you look back and you think:
“Why did I ever trade it?”
“Why did I trade that for this?”
Presence Fills the Spirit
Living in the moment fills you.
It fills your spirit.
It fills your heart with joy.
And here’s another thing I realized: I wasn’t filled this year.
For a long time, I’ve always been filled — and that’s where the output comes from.
That’s where the writing comes from.
That’s where the leadership insights come from.
That’s where the entrepreneurship and management advice comes from.
That’s where the podcast comes from.
And I’ve been consistent for years.
But this year… I couldn’t do a single episode.
Not one.
Because I’ve been running on empty.
“Give It Your All” Can Be Dangerous Advice
People told me repeatedly this year: “Give it your all. Give it your all.”
And sure, that can sound like encouragement.
A rallying cry.
But there’s a darker side to that phrase.
Because if you keep giving it your all until you’re spent…
Eventually, you’re empty.
And I’ve seen this with comrades. With leaders. With people who carry weight.
They keep going. They keep pushing. They keep showing up.
And nobody admits they’re crashing.
Nobody admits they’re breaking.
Not until the tears come.
Not until the silence gets too loud.
Not until you realize: you’re empty inside.
And sometimes the only reason you keep going is because you look left and right and your mates are still going.
And yes, that can encourage you.
But I have to ask it plainly:
“How long can you go on running on empty?”
And just how valuable is what you’re producing when you can’t even think straight anymore?
Overflow Is the Only Sustainable Way to Lead
Here’s what I know now, with absolute clarity:
Running on full and giving out of overflow creates more value.
It’s not even close.
I’ve given so much more to the world — in the same span of time (1 year) — when I was running full… compared to when I was running empty.
When you’re empty:
You can’t think straight.
You get irritated easily.
You get affected by outside opinion.
Disrespect hits harder than it should.
Negativity sticks.
But when you’re full — when you’re giving out of overflow.
None of that can reach you.
Because you’re strong inside.
Strong in your spirit.
And you know everything is going to be okay.
That’s not hype nor is it motivational fluff.
That’s just what a healthy soul feels like.
The Tyranny of the Urgent
This year, my attention kept getting dragged back to what I must do.
The urgent.
The immediate.
The “this can’t wait.”
But looking back?
A lot of it wasn’t that important.
It just wasn’t.
Yes, I learned a lot — and I’m thankful.
Yes, I built good new relationships — and I’m thankful.
But I also have to recount what I lost.
Because it’s not wise to pretend you didn’t lose anything.
It was a tough year.
And I wouldn’t wish the negative things I went through for anyone.
Why I’m Excited for 2026
But because of this year (2025) — because of the things I went through – I look forward to 2026 so much.
Because there’s nowhere to go but up from here.
And I’m coming back to giving from full.
And when I’m full, I know I can give so much more to the world.
I’m excited about the campaigns we’re going to run.
I’m excited about the events we’re planning.
I’m excited about new partnerships.
New leaders joining the SEO Hacker and Sigil team this January.
New processes, new product offerings, new clients.
I’m excited because I love building. I love creating.
Maybe the reason I’m excited is because of what I learned.
Or maybe it’s because I finally remembered what matters.
Going Back to Purpose
So here’s what I’m telling myself as the year ends:
Go back to your purpose.
Go back.
And focus on what matters most.
Because when you do…
Everything is going to be okay.