How to Set Goals for 2026 & Stick to Them 📓
POV: We have reached the end of 2025, and the only goals you seem to have achieved were once pinned in your “pending tasks”. The day-to-day emergencies and last-minute events seem to have buried your vision board, and your goals were swallowed up in the abyss. Do not worry! You are not alone!
The year 2025 feels like it began just yesterday. While reflecting on all of the things you did or did not accomplish, you may feel an overwhelming amount of anxiety, so you venture outside to find solitude. The cool, crisp air refreshes your lungs as you feel solace in knowing that there will be a fresh start on January 1, 2026. As your nerves calm down, you begin to think of new goals to accomplish in 2026, or you repeat the same goals that have not been accomplished since setting them every year.
Let’s look at some strategies we can apply to our recycled or new goals and ensure they are attainable.
Set Realistic Goals & Standards 🥅
The biggest mistake I always make when setting goals is having impossible standards. I mean, how in the world is one supposed to scale the Great Wall of China if they never even dared to sign up for a rock climbing class? Seems far-fetched as an example, but you get the point. Ambitious goals are great, but unrealistic ones lead to burnout and disappointment.
When setting goals, stop setting impossible standards. Keep the bar low, and then slightly move the goalpost after a small win. For example, if my goal is to be able to run 10 minutes per day on the treadmill by 10 weeks, then I should not start by running 10 minutes per day off the bat. I should start slow, increasing the time by one minute each week. Sometimes “Go big or go home” can lead to burnout and immense anxiety. Slow and steady always wins the race.
Plan Ahead 🗺️
Now that we are thinking about our goals, write them down! You can write down as many or as few goals as you like, but keep them realistic and attainable. After writing down all your goals, review them:
- How much time and effort will this take?
- Can these be categorized into monthly milestones?
- Can these be simplified to prevent overwhelm?
Now that you have your list of goals, write down at least five ways to achieve these goals. Why five? Because this will make you really think about the goals you are setting. If there is only one way to achieve a goal, then it is probably an unrealistic goal, or it really isn’t important to you.
Set Realistic Boundaries ⏳
If boundaries are a new thing for you, then quitting cold turkey or intensely setting a boundary without easing into it can quickly cause relapse or immense stress. Slowly ease into the boundary, or let your friends, family, and peers know of the new boundary you are setting for 2026 to achieve a specific goal. Boundaries are created to help you reach your goals, not torment you.
One of my personal goals is to cut screen time on my phone. To do that, I first implemented app limits on my phone and screen time limits. Every day at 7:00 pm, my phone automatically goes on Do Not Disturb to help me reduce screen time. I like to call my friends and family every day. If I did not inform them of my new boundary, you could imagine the panic and worry they would face if I randomly went MIA.
Create A Vision Board and Hang it Somewhere Visible 🔮
We have thought about our goals, we planned how to achieve these goals, and we learned how to set realistic boundaries. It is time to take these goals and turn them into a vision board. All you need is a Posterboard, glue, and some old magazines. Cut out images that represent your goals, and glue them onto your vision board.
Once finished, place your vision board somewhere you will forcefully see it every day. This will help remind you of the goals you are prioritizing for 2026, and it will motivate you to want to check off the boxes of each attainable goal.
Ring in the New Year
2026 is your year to turn intentions into achievements. Start small, plan smart, set boundaries, and keep your vision front and center. Remember: progress beats perfection every time.