One Question Will Shape Your Relationships in 2026

Every January, we tell ourselves this will be the year things change—better communication, less conflict, more connection, etc.

But then, we do nothing. (Here’s a clip of my 17-year-old recounting the most repeated relationship advice I say to him.)

We hope for change but take little action on what most affects our life satisfaction, personal happiness, and success. Harvard long ago proved that our relationships have a greater impact on our lives than money, health, work, or any other factor.

As important as diet and exercise are, working on your relationships will have a more significant impact on your life (and health) than any jog or salad ever could.

Yet, people set diet goals and exercise goals, but never consider how to transform the relationships with those they care about the most.

But what if this year was different?

After years of walking with couples (and watching what actually helps), I’ve become convinced of this:

2026 won’t be shaped by your intentions.
It will be shaped by the skills you build.

So let me start the year by asking you a single, clarifying question.

What’s interesting is that every one of these themes showed up again and again in our most-listened-to episodes of 2025.

Not because they’re trendy, but because they work.

If you want to go a step deeper, here are three places to start as we kick off 2026:

• 🎧 The most-listened-to podcasts of 2025
  → Window of Tolerance

  → Stop Saying “He’s Logical and She’s Emotional

  → Why Our Marriage Works with Jenny 

• 🔄 The Three Assessments (take all three)
  1: Love Styles Assessment (Attachment)

  2: Lead Styles Assessment (Personality)

  3: Marriage Assessment (Relationship Health)

• 📘The Most Read Books of 2025
  → Stay In Your Lane (and Video Bible Study)

  → Love Styles

  → Friends, Partners, and Lovers (and Video Study)

Here’s my hope for you this year:

That you don’t just want better relationships.
You actually build the capacity for them.

I’m here to help. With your permission, I’ll visit your inbox once a week with some encouragement. (Forward this to someone and ask them to join the newsletter so y’all can discuss the topics.)

And coming soon: a new coaching tool that will help you navigate your most important relationships. I hope to share more with you in the next few weeks.

Grateful to walk into 2026 with you,
Kevin

p.s. There’s a special New Year’s episode of Change the Odds the Podcast out today. My son Silas joins me, and we have an honest (and often vulnerable) conversation about life as a pastor’s son, what I got right/wrong, what he wants to do better than me, and why he puts Jenny and my marriage at an 8 out of 10. Listen HERE.

And here’s a quick reminder if you are starting a new devotional this year. And if you are looking for one, check out Hope Scrolling.