Hey, Reader!

We're just over a week into 2026, and if you're like most folks, you're either riding high on new habits or quietly wondering how long they'll last. I've been there. That's why today I want to share the one approach that's kept me consistent for years: streaks.

I'm a huge believer in them. Not the flashy, 30-day challenges that fizzle out, but steady, day-after-day commitments that build real character and lasting fruit. It echoes Galatians 6:9—“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Streaks help me not give up. They turn small, faithful actions into something powerful. Here's a snapshot of where I stand right now:

• Cold shower: 751 days
• Squatting (for my hip flexors): 709 days
• Grounding: 744 days
• Writing my goals down in my journal: 51 days
• Running one mile: 3,056 days
• No Diet Coke: 32 days*
• Praying with my wife, Michelle: 138 days
• Hugging Michelle: 17 days
• Weight lifting (every other day): 64 days
• Eating Keto: 14 days**
• Writing 3 things I'm grateful for in my journal: 39 days
• Walking at least 15,000 steps: 679 days***
• Meditate for 15 minutes: 7 days

That’s 13 habits tracked daily in the Streaks app (iOS and Mac only—Android friends, I feel your pain). A few honest caveats to keep it real:

* Diet Coke isn’t banned forever—just special occasions, maybe once a month over lunch. Grace matters.
** My Keto includes a mercy clause: every 21 days, one non-Keto restaurant meal, no doggy bag. Often when the occasional Diet Coke sneaks in. Sustainable beats strict.
*** Big thanks to Michelle for the 2023 anniversary rebounder—bouncing while catching a podcast? Total productivity hack.

People ask, “Mark, aren’t these locked in habits by now?” Many are. But tracking keeps the flame alive. I aim for “never miss once” (yeah, I know James Clear says “never miss twice”—I just like the extra accountability sting of resetting to zero). Watching those numbers climb? It’s motivating. It feels like watching a harvest grow from faithful sowing.

Habits are neutral—good ones build us up, bad ones tear us down. The mindless scroll stealing your evenings? A bad streak. Skipping prayer time? Another quiet erosion. But the good ones? They honor the body and mind God entrusted to us (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). They create the clarity and focus needed to lead well, love deeply, and pursue the calling He’s placed on you.

Heading into this first full week of Q1, I’m leaning on these streaks to fuel my own goals. Consistency here creates consistency there.

So let me ask you the two questions that keep me up at night in a good way: What habits are you struggling to build (or keep) right now? And once you name it—what are you going to do about it TODAY?

Start with one day. Track it. Build the streak. If you want a brother to walk with you, hit reply or snag a spot in my 90-day coaching program—we’ll get after it together, with truth, grace, and accountability.

Progress over perfection. Faithfulness over frenzy. Let’s make 2026 the year our streaks lead to real, God-honoring change.

What’s one habit you’re committing to (or recommitting to) today? Reply to this email—I’d love to cheer you on.

In Christ,
Mark (Mister Productivity)
Host of The Mister Productivity Podcast (listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts).

P.S. If you’re ready for productivity that sticks—rooted in faith and fueled by action—my 90-day coaching spots are open. Let’s talk. Reply with I'M READY!