I close  – ENDURANCE – as my focus word for 2026.

For small business owners, endurance is about staying power—continuing to show up, adapt, and lead by relying on strengths that have already been proven through experience. Sustainable success is rarely built on constant reinvention; it comes from disciplined execution, resilience in the face of uncertainty, and confidence in what already works.

Two practical ways to build endurance as a small business owner are:

(1) double down on your core strengths by identifying the products, services, or processes that consistently deliver results and prioritizing them over distractions

(2) establish sustainable rhythms—such as realistic goals, regular reviews, and protected recovery time—that support long-term performance rather than short-term burnout.

Did you select a word of the year for 2026? Feel free to share in the Comments on the Paper Chaser Facebook page/post about Endurance.