There is something so grounding about closing one chapter and gently opening another. I always find myself pausing here, reflecting on what the past year taught me and dreaming about what I want the next one to hold.
I believe there is power in naming your goals, and even more power in sharing them out loud. Not in a performative way, but as a form of accountability and intention. So as 2026 begins, these are the goals I am carrying with me into this next season. Not perfection, just direction.
Relationships
1.) At least 1 date night out a month :: I want to go on at least one date night out with my husband each month in 2026. We’ve been terrible about booking time away, just us two. This year, that changes.
2.)Have fun 1 on 1 time with each kid at least 1x a week :: Life gets busy and we spend a decent amount of time together as a family. But I want more one on one time with each boy. They usually choose ice cream dates- which I adore!
3.) Continue building our community :: We’ve made the BEST friends since moving to Southern California, but we want to continue investing in the relationships we’ve made and continue building new relationships- for both us and our boys.
Learning
1.) Read at least 1 book a month :: For years I really only read business or inspirational books. I’ve finally gotten back into reading for entertainment. Now I have to balance the two.
2.) Listen to at least 2 podcasts a week :: I love listening to a podcast while showering or getting ready! Is there a podcast you love?
3.) Complete 1 French lesson a week :: I started last year strong with doing a french lesson each day. But then I hit a really hard lesson and fell off the bandwagon. This year I want to complete 1 per week- which means I can repeat the same one multiple times in a week without failing this goal.
Health
1.) Cook at home more :: I can follow a recipe just fine, but always feel like I’m wasting all the leftover ingredients. In 2026, I’m going to get more adventurous with and without recipes.
2.) Do Pvolve at least 1x a week :: I really need to get back into building muscle.
3.) Go on 2-3 bike rides/walks a week :: When the sun stays up longer, this is easy. But in the darker months I struggle.
Personal
1.) Wake up earlier :: My boys love to sleep in- and honestly, so do I. But in 2026, I’m waking up at least 30 minutes earlier!
2.) Explore 2 new cities in California :: We already have a trip booked to Mammoth and would love to add one more city in California on this list! Any recommendations?
3.) Less screen time :: My job requires me to be on my phone. But when I’m not working, I want to be better about keeping my phone down.
4.) Create a family year book :: Last year I did create travel books, but not a year book. This year I want to finally do this!
Faith
1.) Join a new Bible study :: I signed up for a new Mom Group through church, but would love to find a Bible study as well!
2.) Spend more time in the Word each morning :: I love a good devotional, but 2026 I want to really dive into the Word more.
3.) Improve my prayer life :: I used to set alarms on my phone to remind me to pray for various topics throughout the day. I might get back into this!
Work
1.) Write at least 1 blog post a week :: I LOVE looking back on my blog and seeing the journal of my life. I’ve been writing here since 2010! I love sharing my travels, lessons I’m learning, and general celebrations of the little things in life.
2.) Post at least 1 feed Instagram post a week :: Again, I used to be SO active on Instagram- then I had my two boys and we moved away from NYC. I want to get back into posting more often.
3.) Post at least 15 TikTok’s a week :: I love how casual Tiktok can be. I try to post 3 posts a day Monday-Friday.
If there is one thing I have learned, it is that goals do not have to be loud or dramatic to be meaningful. Sometimes they are simply gentle commitments to show up a little more present, a little more intentional, and a little more aligned with the life you want to live.
These goals feel right for this season, and I am excited to see how they shape our days in 2026. If you are setting goals this year, I would love to know one you are most excited about.
These are all some great goals, and I know you’l hit them. I’ll be following along to watch your progress.
I need to follow suit on the eating. I cook at home, but it’s not great stuff. I definitely need to do more cooking that involves vegetables.
I like your goals. I especially like that you make relationships a priority and considered its beneficial effect on your boys. I wrote down my faith goals at the beginning of the year but I need to have another list for something that I intend to do for my personal growth.
Glad you are now reading for entertainment. That can be so much more enjoyable and relaxing!
great plan to do one French lesson a week for steady progress! scheduling those ice cream dates for one on one time is a sweet way to connect.
I’m always too ambitious when it comes to goal-setting, but I like reading how others do it; it’s inspiring. I love that you set realistic goals. I have to learn to do that!
Prioritising mental wellbeing alongside productivity shows thoughtful planning and balance. Sharing intentions publicly can help stay accountable and motivated through the year.
Great goals! I love your pictures – looks like you have done some interesting travels. It is good to set goals for the year and have things to look forward to and things to work on.
These are such lovely and grounding reminders! I love reading about your adventures in London and all of the things we can do to broaden our horizons. Thank you so much for sharing!
Amazing. Beyond Blessed – may this new year bring exactly that to you. I also agree there is power in naming your goals, and even more power in sharing them out loud. It takes them out of your mind and into the world – one step closer to reality. Wishing you the very best success.