2026 Beyond the Surface

Reminder: the powers you already have

A few days ago, a friend asked if we believe there is an AI bubble. My response went to differentiate between a tech bubble and a financial bubble.

Despite our conclusion, the real learning wasn’t about AI; it was about our ability to examine trends with greater depth, instead of getting swept up by the emotional and manipulative power that often surrounds them.

As we close out 2025, we find ourselves at a crossroads. No matter your position or opinion, most of us sense that something needs to shift.

Here’s the opportunity I see:

Just like examining trends more deeply, we can look beyond the surface of our challenges to discover what’s really happening, how it affects us, and most importantly, what we can do about it.

It sounds obvious and simple isn’t it? But that’s a practice we often skip or do alone, often impacted by our own bias. So, let’s include others in our reflection process.

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One trend we can transform in 2026:

Polarization.

We’re discovering that taking sides on polarizing opinions doesn’t solve our problems; it magnifies them and creates new challenges.

While some use polarization to gain power, we have a choice: to step back and recognize that proving our side is “better” keeps us stuck in cycles that serve no one.

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One truth to carry with us through 2026:

We are all looking for the same experience.

We don’t need to agree with everyone; we don’t need to submit to expectations we dislike.

But we can recognize that everyone is seeking their own version of happiness—that deep sense of being satisfied, safe, accepted, seen, valued, and respected.

No matter how much money, fame, virtue, or beauty someone pursues, we’re all trying to fill the same fundamental need.

Let’s approach our shared journey with curiosity and compassion; we’re all learning how to navigate this together.

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Our experience of life is shaped by our personal stories and circumstances, but we have more power than we often realize.

That’s my invitation for you and me in 2026:

• Let’s spend more time with friends.

• Let’s spend more time sharing our learnings with others.

• Let’s meet new interesting people.

• Let’s cooperate more and give more chances to others to grow.

• Let’s take more risks, be less afraid, and show resistance to fear tactics and covert manipulation.

• Let’s be more intentional with our actions, less reactive, and more inspired to take action.

• Let’s use more time to upgrade our skills and generate new paths of mastery.

• Let’s spend more time in nature, taking care of it, and participating in regenerating natural environments.

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Happy 2026.

May it be a year of creativity, positive outcomes, courage, connection, and many moments of happiness.

Love,

Jose