After taking time to reflect on the past year, it’s time to set intentions that truly support your growth and well-being for 2026. A new year doesn’t have to mean becoming a whole new person. It can instead be about making small improvements that will can have a positive and significant impact on your life.
Focus on your values
Let your goals be guided by what truly matters to you. It’s hard to know what to change or improve in your life if you haven’t first clarified your values. Ask yourself: What kind of life do I want to live? and Which values support that vision? For example, if family is a core value, where could you be more intentional? That might look like setting aside weekly time for meaningful conversations with your children or younger relatives, committing to hosting a regular family get-together, or even something as simple-but powerful-as calling a loved one each week. When your goals align with your values, they become more motivating, sustainable, and fulfilling.
Start small and be specific
Clear, manageable steps are far easier to follow than vague or overly broad goals. Our post on SMART goals vs. New Year’s resolutions is a great place to start if you want to set yourself up for success in 2026. Being able to track your progress is essential and when goals are unclear, progress becomes impossible to measure. Big, sweeping changes can feel overwhelming and, over time, discouraging if you’re not seeing results quickly. Breaking those larger goals into smaller, more attainable steps helps you build momentum, stay motivated, and recognize progress along the way.
Mix habits and outcomes
Pair what you want to do consistently with the results you hope to achieve. Many people want to be more active but struggle to fit exercise into their daily routines. One effective approach is to combine habits or hobbies so you’re working toward multiple goals at once. For example, if you love reading, bring a book to the gym and read while using a stationary bike (I’ve seen this at my local gym!). You could also listen to audiobooks or podcasts during walks or workouts. You don’t have to give up something you enjoy in order to become more active-by stacking habits, you can make movement more enjoyable and see steady progress toward your goals.
Check in regularly
Reflect, adjust, and celebrate progress along the way. One of the biggest benefits of setting specific, measurable goals is the ability to check in with yourself throughout the year. Don’t wait until December to realize a goal was too ambitious or simply not the right fit. Instead, build in regular check-ins at a pace that makes sense for you and the goals you’re working toward. For example, activity-related goals might be reviewed weekly or monthly to notice patterns and overall progress.
If you find you’re not meeting a goal, pause and ask yourself why-with honesty and compassion. Is this simply not the right season for this goal? Did you set expectations that were higher than what was realistic? Or did you discover that this change doesn’t actually add value to your life? These reflections aren’t meant to be a source of self-criticism, but a way to fine-tune your goals so they better support you. Growth comes from adapting, not from being hard on yourself.
