Stop Waiting: Why 2026 Is the Year to Commit to Something That Scares You

Every year, people say, "One day I want to run a marathon," or "I should do an Ironman." But "one day" isn’t a date. It’s an excuse. If you want 2026 to be different—bigger, better, more meaningful—you need to choose it. And not in theory. In action. Whether it’s a 5K or the Leadville 100, sign up now. Let it scare you a little. That’s the point.

1. Set the Date, Then Figure It Out
Too many people wait until they "feel ready." But readiness is a myth. Commitment creates readiness. Pick a race in July or September 2026. Count the months. That’s your runway. Once you're registered, the game changes. Now there’s a goal on the calendar, not just an idea in your head.

2. You Don’t Have to Know Everything
Don’t know how to run? Swim? Lift? No problem. The internet is overflowing with free training plans, expert advice, and online coaches. Tools like ChatGPT can even help you build a personalized plan in seconds. No more excuses.

3. Surround Yourself With Those Who Are Further Along
Your circle will either accelerate your progress or slow it down. Find the people who have done what you want to do. Learn from them. Train with them. Let their momentum carry you forward until you create your own.

4. The Jesse Itzler Big Ass Calendar Method
Don’t plan your year around meetings. Plan it around moments. Jesse Itzler's Big Ass Calendar Method is all about putting you first. Block off that race weekend. Book the trip. Plan your life with intention, not obligation.

"There are no Zoom calls in your photo album." —Jesse Itzler

5. Make It Your Misogi Moment
Each year needs one hard thing, a goal you’ll remember for the rest of your life. Jesse calls this your "Misogi." It should be borderline crazy. Something that forces growth. That becomes your story.

6. Evidence Over Ego
As Alex Hormozi says: "Evidence gives you confidence." If you’ve trained, tracked, and shown up, you won’t need to hope it works out. You’ll know. Results follow reps.

7. Take Inventory, Not Just Resolutions
Forget New Year’s resolutions. Take inventory of last year. What worked? What drained you? What fired you up? Set one winning habit per quarter. Track your inputs. Be patient with the outcomes.

8. Let Regret Drive You More Than Rejection
Too many people fear looking foolish. But what if the bigger fear was waking up at the end of 2026 having done nothing memorable? Let regret be the scarier option.

9. You Are the Asset
Invest in yourself the way you invest in stocks, equipment, or tech. Skills, confidence, health, momentum — those are compoundable. And they’re yours for life.

10. Need Help? Ask.
Whether you need help picking a race, figuring out travel, or building a plan, reach out to us at Map Medal. This is what we live for. Helping people commit to the work and the celebration.

Conclusion:
2026 doesn’t need to be another OK year. It can be the year. One you’ll talk about. One that changes you. So stop waiting. Pick the date. Sign up. Get to work. And when you cross that finish line, we’ll be there to help you celebrate.

PS: Document your journey. Share your progress. And build your photo album around your story, not your inbox.