I know I haven’t written in a while, but I was compelled to post today for two reasons: (1) because of a quote I read, and (2) a webinar I attended at the start of 2026.
First, here’s the quote: “It’s better to be disliked for who you are than liked for who you’re not.” – Mark Manson
I’ve been pondering this quote for most of this morning, as I construct how I will show up in the world for the rest of the year. And for some reason, this quote was put in front of my eyes today. Not everyone is going to like what I do or what I say…and that’s okay. I will still be me.
Second, I watched a Dean Graziosi webinar at the start of 2026 titled, “How to Unlock the Next Level You in 2026.” He had 10 principles to unlock your next level, as follows:
- Audit your inner circle.
- Solve bigger problems.
- Take total ownership.
- Who’s steering your ship?
- Repetition creates consistency.
- Be bold.
- Leverage AI when you can.
- I will persist until I succeed.
- Commitment over convenience.
- Focus on “who,” not “how.”
Using the quote and these principles, I decided it was time for me to “do the work I was put on this earth to do, not hide in the shadows.” I have lots and lots and lots of activities/tools that I have at my disposal to transform lives, but which specific activities/tools could have the most profound effect on others, especially as it pertains to their professional endeavors?
I realized that now is not the time to hide; now is the time to BE BOLD by being myself! I am unlocking the next level of ME by facilitating a new workshop, “Mapping Your Professional Future on Purpose.” Although I’ve facilitated this workshop a few times at the end of 2025, I decided that I would be intentional in helping academic advisors and student success coaches map their professional future on purpose. I started this at the end of December as a test run – and now I’m fully engaged in the work in 2026! And it’s been SOOOOO rewarding!
If you’re interested in attending my next “Mapping Your Professional Future on Purpose,” join me for my next online webinar on Monday, February 16, 2026 from 7:00pm to 8:30pm to engage in three concrete activities to map your professional future, then use AI to develop your plan. No need to register; just show up using the following link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89520133915?pwd=K9tVoNrpijQKSOabOKOER0habX89MD.1.
I plan to offer this particular workshop to advisors and coaches all over the country, so if you’re interested in doing this for yourself, come to the session on Monday. I’m also making myself available to colleges and universities; contact me at whjohnso@uncg.edu or 336-207-6795 if you’d like more information.
Hope to see a few of you on Monday!