2026 Goals: How to Start Your Year with Intention, Balance, and Joy
The end of a year is always a time for reflection—what worked, what didn’t, and what we want to carry into the next chapter. For me, 2025 was a year of experimentation, growth, and learning to embrace the small moments that make life meaningful. As we step into 2026, I’m not just setting goals—I’m focusing on how I want to feel, how I want to grow, and how I can create a year that aligns with my values.
If you’re ready to start 2026 with clarity and purpose, here’s a roadmap inspired by the lessons I’ve learned—plus actionable steps to make this year your most intentional yet.
Set Intentions First, Goals Second
(Inspired by Episodes on Defining Your Year and SMART Goals)
Why it matters: We often jump straight into goal-setting without asking: How do I want to feel in 2026? This year, I’m prioritizing intentions—the emotions and mindsets I want to cultivate—before diving into specific goals.
How to apply it:
Ask yourself: "How do I want to feel at the end of 2026?" (Peaceful? Energized? Proud?)
Choose a word or phrase to guide your year (e.g., "lightness," "trust," or "joy in the journey").
Pair intentions with actionable goals. For example:
Intention: "I want to feel confident in my choices."
Goal: "Practice saying 'no' to things that don’t align with my priorities."
My 2026 intention: "Embrace progress over perfection, and find joy in the everyday."
Start Before You’re Ready
(Inspired by Episodes on Taking Action Now and Overcoming Overwhelm)
Why it matters: Waiting for the "perfect" moment often means never starting at all. The key is to begin with small, manageable steps—even if they’re imperfect.
How to apply it:
Pick 3 tiny actions to start today (e.g., "Write one paragraph of my book," "Take a 10-minute walk," "Organize one drawer").
Use the 2-Minute Rule (from Atomic Habits): If a task takes less than 2 minutes, do it immediately.
Schedule a "Start Day"—don’t wait for January 1st. Begin now.
My 2026 jumpstart:
Health: 10-minute daily mobility routine (no gym required!).
Creativity: Record one podcast idea per week (even if it’s just a voice note).
Home: Tackle one "backlog" task monthly (e.g., organize digital photos).
Redefine Your To-Do List
(Inspired by Episodes on Managing Overwhelm and Prioritizing What Matters)
Why it matters: A never-ending to-do list can drain your energy and joy. This year, I’m focusing on what truly matters and letting go of the rest.
How to apply it:
Categorize tasks:
Daily priorities (must-do).
Weekly/Monthly tasks (can wait).
Backlog (important but not urgent).
Ask: "Will this matter in a year?" If not, drop it or delegate it.
Use tools like Notion or a simple notebook to organize tasks by priority.
My 2026 rule: "If it’s not a ‘hell yes,’ it’s a no."
Celebrate Small Wins
(Inspired by Episodes on Acknowledging Progress and Personal Achievements)
Why it matters: We often overlook small victories while chasing big goals. Celebrating progress—no matter how tiny—builds momentum and joy.
How to apply it:
Keep a "Wins Journal" (even bullet points count!).
Share wins publicly (e.g., "I finally solved that Rubik’s Cube!").
Reward yourself (e.g., "After 5 workouts, I’ll take a bubble bath").
My 2026 habit: "Every Sunday, I’ll write down 3 wins—no matter how small."
Embrace Rest as Part of the Journey
(Inspired by Episodes on Home Vacations and Self-Care)
Why it matters: We often equate productivity with worth, but rest is essential for sustainable growth. This year, I’m making space for true downtime—without guilt.
How to apply it:
Plan a "staycation":
Visit local spots you’ve ignored (museums, parks, cafés).
Create a cozy routine (morning tea, evening reads).
Unplug for a few hours daily.
Reframe "productivity": Rest is achievement.
My 2026 experiment: "One ‘home vacation’ per quarter—no guilt, just joy."
Learn from Challenges and Adapt
(Inspired by Episodes on Reflecting and Adjusting Goals)
Why it matters: Every challenge is a chance to learn and grow. Instead of seeing setbacks as failures, I’m treating them as data points to refine my approach.
How to apply it:
Run a 30-day experiment (e.g., daily meditation, no social media).
Reflect weekly: "What worked? What drained me?"
Give yourself permission to pivot (e.g., "If a goal feels overwhelming, adjust it").
My 2026 mindset: "Progress > perfection. Always."
Final Thought: Let’s Grow Together
2026 isn’t about being "better"—it’s about being more you. Whether you’re setting big goals or tiny intentions, remember:
Start before you’re ready.
Celebrate every step.
Rest is part of the journey.
What’s one goal or intention you’re taking into 2026? Share in the comments—I’d love to cheer you on!
Let’s Connect!
Share your thoughts in the comments or tag me on Instagram / Facebook / LinkedIn. I’d love to hear from you!
And don’t forget: My first newsletter drops on January 11th—packed with tips, inspiration, and exclusive content to kickstart your year. Subscribe here to join the community!
Until next time, keep trusting your journey. Growth happens one step at a time.
💛 Julie
P.S. Loved this post? Share it with someone who needs a little wellness inspiration! And if you’re craving more, check out the latest episode of The Pulse.