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"The hardest part of any habit isn’t starting. It’s deciding it still counts when you half-ass it.”
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​Hey Reader,

By now, January has stopped feeling ceremonial. The texts have slowed. The routines feel less impressive. The thing you said you’d do this year is already negotiating with you.

That’s not failure. That’s the moment that actually matters.

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👥 THE FRIEND

Stephen King has followed the same rule for decades:

When he’s writing, he writes every single day.

He doesn't wait for inspiration or vibes. Or for his inbox to be emptied.

He sits down and writes about 2,000 words. Every day.

Some days it’s great. Some days it’s garbage.
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This sounds boring. It is. That’s the point. Removing the daily decision.

Once writing is just “what happens today,”
stopping takes more effort than continuing.

That’s how careers compound. Not through intensity — through continuity.

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A quick word from the people who keep this newsletter free. Obviously I'm big on reviewing what's working and what's not so check out the link below!

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Now back to what you came for.

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🛠️ THE FIX

Most resolutions don’t fail because people quit.

They fail because the chain breaks once —
and suddenly restarting feels heavier than stopping ever did.

So this week, forget improvement or intensity.
Forget becoming a “new you.” I promise "old you" is fine!

Protect continuity. Whatever it is, friendship related or not, keep going!

Define the smallest version of your goal that still counts —
the one you’ll do when you’re tired, busy, traveling, or slightly resentful.

Five minutes counts.

Don’t win January. Just don’t break the chain.

📚 THE RECO

One thing I’m doing differently heading into 2026:
I put one hour a month for myself on the calendar.

Not “when I have time.” Not “I’ll figure it out.”

A real hour. With a name. That blocks other things from landing on it.

I recently took an Artist’s Way class, and one of the assignments was simple: do something just for yourself each week. No output. No utility.

By week six, I had failed six times...it was obvious I had a block, but it wasn’t just emotional. It was logistical.

I hadn’t protected the time.

Turns out you don’t find time for yourself.
You have to reserve it.

—
Matt
The Friendship Guy

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As always, please share this with a friend. They can sign up for the Friendship Challenge by clicking here.​

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