As businesses start planning for the new year, Farrell Middelton, founder of The Bell Curve of Life and author of A Performer / A Environment, is challenging business leaders to abandon traditional New Year’s resolutions during their 2026 strategic planning in favor of targeted strategic initiatives that address the core elements of sustainable growth. These initiatives are designed to inspire growth and drive by addressing five critical areas to create an “A Environment” that will attract “A Performance.”

“Organizations operating without clear vision, strong leadership and strategic direction inevitably lack purpose and measurable outcomes,” said Middleton. “These five initiatives provide a structured framework for creating environments that attract and retain high-level performers.”

The framework addresses five critical areas directly inspired by Middleton’s book and his work as a speaker and consultant:

Vision: Develop a clear, 12-15-word vision statement that captures attention and invites conversation. Organizations need to articulate the “why” behind their work to align external partners and internal teams.

Leadership: Focus on three core capabilities: defining reality to make sound decisions, delegating effectively to develop team capacity and actively recruiting talented leaders.

Quality Optimization: Critically assess whether products and services are being delivered at optimum levels, with particular attention to internal coordination and external delivery systems.

Customer Relations: Evaluate whether sales, marketing and operations are working cohesively to create satisfied customers who become enthusiastic advocates.

Employee Engagement and Retention: Address retention challenges by creating environments that promote productivity, healthy relationships and peak performance.

Middleton is available for speaking engagements and workshops to partner with organizations to implement these initiatives. He conducts 60-minute Saturday Workshops that explore how workplace environments impact individual performance through 45 minutes of instruction and a 15-minute Q&A. Released earlier this year, A Performer /A Environment provides the foundation for Middleton’s leadership presentations focused on advancing individuals and organizations to A-level standards.

Call 678-618-2024 or email [email protected] to contact Middleton directly to schedule a session or speaking engagement. Visit www.TheBellCurveOfLife.com for more details.