I’ve learned something about myself over the years: sometimes “S.M.A.R.T. goals” don’t work for me. The kind that are perfectly measured, tracked, and evaluated at the end with a clear pass or fail. For some people, that works beautifully. For me—especially with long-term goals—it can feel like too much pressure.
What I do love is the feeling of steady progress. Showing up most days. Moving forward without the all-or-nothing mindset. So this year, my goals are simple, and they are meant to support the life I actually want to live.
Here’s what I’m focusing on in 2026.
Personal Goals
Read more.
Amen and amen. Reading fills my cup, calms my nervous system, and helps me slow down. My hope is that reading becomes the thing I look forward to at night instead of anything with screens.
Get 8 hours of sleep.
This one is connected to reading. If I get to bed early enough to read, I’m much more likely to get enough rest. Sleep changes everything—my patience, my mood, and how I show up for my kids.
Deepen my scripture study.
This year, I want to learn more, not rush through. I love the study helps from Good News Brand Co, and I’ll be using their workbooks and tip-ins to dive into the Old Testament in a more thoughtful way.
Move my body every day.
Some days that will look like a walk or a run. Other days it will be lifting weights at home. The goal isn’t about intensity—it’s consistency.
Drink 40 oz of water daily.
Not fancy. Just helpful.
Eat more veggies.
Right now, my favorite easy snack is baby carrots sprinkled with salt. Simple counts!
Family Goals
Thank you notes during church.
I want my girls to write thank you notes to those who are speaking during church service. It’s a small habit that builds gratitude and helps them notice others.
Simple fun family activities (we call them FFAs).
Most days, we’ll do something small and fun together—play a game, go for a walk, have a dance party, or sit and talk. These don’t have to be big to matter.
Read aloud before bed.
Right now, we’re reading The Mona Lisa Vanishes, and it’s been such a sweet way to end the day together.
Work Goals
Only 3 hours a day, 5 days a week.
I want work to support our family—not compete with it.
Do things I care about.
If it doesn’t matter to me, it’s probably not worth my time.
Streamline content creation.
This is my reminder that I don’t need to do more to be more. Simple, meaningful work is enough.
Setting Goals with Your Kids
If you would like some help setting goals with your kids this year, Just Keep Trying is my favorite resource for talking to kids about how to set goals big and small. For bigger goals, you can break it down into smaller steps (or in this case, paw prints!). There is a fun worksheet in this resource that helps kids decide who they will need to help them accomplish this goal, and how they will celebrate once they’ve accomplished it. This has been a huge hit for so many parents!
My goals aren’t about perfection. They’re about choosing a steady, intentional life—one small habit at a time. And honestly, that feels like a really good way to start 2026.
If you would like help with ideas for family goals this year, you might like these resources: