As we close out 2025 and step into 2026, Shawn leaves listeners with a leadership practice that cuts deeper than goal-setting.
Most people start the year asking, What do I want to add?New goals. New habits. Bigger targets.But the leaders who actually thrive start somewhere else.They decide what they will protect.
This episode introduces The Protected List. A short, specific set of non-negotiables that define what you will never sacrifice. Not for growth. Not for urgency. Not for “great opportunities.”
Through a personal example of protecting bedtime with his son, Shawn shows why boundaries decided in advance remove pressure, guilt, and self-betrayal in the moment.
This isn’t about doing less.
It’s about succeeding without losing yourself.
As we enter 2026, this message invites you to stop negotiating with what matters most and start leading from clarity, not compromise.
✦ In This Episode
* Why starting the year with protection matters more than goal-setting
* The difference between vague values and enforceable boundaries
* How a Protected List removes decision fatigue
* A personal example of protecting family time over opportunity
* Why success without non-negotiables leads to burnout
* How pre-decided boundaries strengthen leadership integrity
✦ Reflection Prompts
* What are 3–5 things I will never compromise in 2026?
* Where have I historically traded what matters most for “good opportunities”?
* Are my boundaries specific enough to protect me when pressure hits?
* What would change if my no was already decided?
✦ The Boost (Action Step)
Build your Protected List for 2026.
Write down 3–5 non-negotiables.
Make them specific, not abstract.
Examples:
* “I will not work past 6 PM on weekdays.”
* “I will not skip my morning routine for meetings.”
* “I will not sacrifice family rituals for convenience.”
Put the list somewhere visible.
Because when the next great opportunity shows up, the decision will already be made.
✦ What’s Next on Daily Power Boost
Daily Power Boost is taking a short break to honor the transition into the new year.
We return Sunday, January 12th with Arc 3: The Next-Level Loneliness: Staying Connected as You Rise.
Because once you’ve protected your capacity, the next challenge is staying human while you climb.
✦ If Today’s Episode Sparked Something…
* Share it with someone setting goals without boundaries
* Subscribe to Daily Power Boost for identity-driven leadership insights
* Join the R.E.A.L. Mastery™ Hub → realmasteryhub.com
✦ Engage With Me Online
* Instagram: @coachshawnmichael
* TikTok: @coachshawnmichael
* YouTube: @coachshawnmichael
* LinkedIn: @coachinguatemala
✦ References & Influences
* Greg McKeown – Essentialism on protecting what matters most
* Stephen Covey – The 7 Habits on beginning with clear principles
* Parker Palmer – Let Your Life Speak on integrity and wholeness
* Jim Collins – Good to Great on disciplined leadership
* Joe Hudson – The Art of Accomplishment on alignment over approval
With strength and heart,
❤️🔥 Shawn Michael
See you January 12th.
Get full access to True North: Your guide to an intentional life at trunorth.substack.com/subscribe