MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER, AUTHOR & SUCCESS COACH

December 2025 GOOD News Make 2026 your best year yet – By setting goals that matter

Make 2026 your best year yet – By setting goals that matter

I’ve always believed that the future favors the intentional. Success does not show up uninvited—it arrives when we plan for it, prepare for it, and pursue it with passion and purpose. As we step into 2026, I want to challenge you to do something powerful, something transformative:

Set goals that push you, stretch you, and excite you.

Not resolutions.
Not hopeful wishes.
Not “maybe I’ll try this year.”

Real, written goals—backed by desire, drive, discipline, determination, and a decision to follow through.

WHY GOAL-SETTING MATTERS

Goals give us something to move toward. Without direction, even the hardest workers can find themselves running fast—yet going nowhere. When we set goals, we give our lives structure. We give our careers a target. We tell our future, “I’m coming for you.”

A goal is a seed.
And like every seed, it only grows when you water it—consistently.

HOW TO MAKE YOUR GOALS STICK

Here’s what I recommend and what I personally practice:

  1. Write them down.
    A goal in your head is just a thought.
    A goal on paper becomes a commitment.
  2. Break them into daily and weekly actions.
    Small wins compound into big victories.
  3. Review them often—daily if you can.
    What you focus on expands.
  4. Tell someone.
    Nothing builds accountability like speaking it into the world.
  5. Take action even when you don’t feel like it.
    Discipline is doing what needs to be done after the excitement wears off.

 

YOU HAVE A CHOICE

2026 can happen to you…
or you can happen to it.

You can drift into the new year and hope it goes well…
or you can design it, drive it, and dominate it with intention.

Success favors the prepared.
The committed.
The goal-setters and goal-getters.

Make the decision today that you’re going to design your life instead of reacting to it.

My Challenge to You

Before this week ends, write down 3 personal goals and 3 business goals for 2026.

Put them where you can see them.
Review them.
Take daily action.
And watch what happens.

I believe in you.
Now believe in yourself enough to put your goals in motion.

Let’s make 2026 your strongest year yet—personally and professionally.

You deserve it.
And it starts now.

What People in the Audience are Saying…

With Van's passion, humor and experience you can be assured of one thing- your audience is going to get fired-up, built-up, and fully charged –up. As an entrepreneur at the top of his game Van is in the unique position of being able to "talk the talk" because he has "walked the walk". Over the years he has been a great inspiration to me and my staff. Van is a speaker with charisma, humility and impact and he's a difference maker in the lives of the people he touches…"

—George Akers // President, First Mortgage Corp.

I wanted to thank you for coming and speaking with our company today. I thought your presentation was awesome! I was really motivated and inspired by your thoughts and ideas. I will use this motivation to grow my business and my personal life.”

—Justin Pauls // Realtor, Tampa, Florida

We are delighted you will be accepting the award for Omaha’s Top 25 fastest growing companies. Congratulations on your outstanding growth and we wish you continued success.”

—Tracey Fortina // Omaha Chamber of Commerce

Thank you for running such a class act company. It is an honor and a pleasure to be associated with someone such as yourself. I know you are probably one of the most respected businessmen in the region.”

—Dustin Talacko // Realtor, Omaha, Nebraska

Congratulations on writing “Selling from the heart” and thank you for sharing a copy with me. Your class has been one of the most enjoyable classes I’ve ever taken. Your enthusiasm and passion for your work are awesome. But the most refreshing part of the class was your delightful sense of humor. Thank you again for being a fantastic teacher.”

—Linda Reismeiler // Student at Randall School of Real Estate, Omaha, Nebraska

Kudos to you, Van, for reaching a major goal. But more than that...For successfully building one of Omaha’s best companies from scratch and making it thrive even in less than ideal market conditions. You have realized the American Dream...And brought it home to many, many others. My best to you!”

—Todd Andrews, Anchor and Producer, KETV Omaha

Having you here again was such a blessing to so many! As I looked at the pictures, I could see just how interested each and every person was in what you had to say!

This has been such a gift to our agents when they need it the most. The fact that you come, you are so genuine and caring, you are so honest, you are not trying to sell anything and your passion to help each and every person believe in themselves and become the best they can be is HUGE! The timing is perfect for us all helping and caring about each other, so, thank YOU from the bottom of my heart for giving of yourself to help all of us!”

—Carolyn Summerton // First Mortgage Company of Idaho

I enjoyed your seminar and its focus. I was on the fence whether or not to attend and decided why not? I could have sat through an all day session if there was one, usually I end up at the seminars that start with a focus and quickly go astray. I found with yours time flew by too fast and it was already time to go but I wasn’t ready to go.”

—Scott Asbill, CDPE // Associate Broker, Realtor