Eeeek! I’m Back (And We Have a Plan!)
I have not posted in a minute, but don't worry—that is about to change! One of my biggest goals for 2026 is to write more. I truly enjoy it; it’s how I release emotions and, hopefully, help you all save a little money along the way.
Happy New Year! What have you been up to?
We have been busy, but I have some exciting news: Our house is almost done! We’ve been living in chaos since October 2024 (thanks, Hurricane Milton!), so seeing the finish line is a huge relief. Because the house is finally functional, I was able to host Christmas brunch again. It made my heart so happy to have the family together laughing and eating—so much fun, in fact, that I didn't take a single picture!
We also managed a 6-day escape to Costa Rica. After a year of "staycations" spent fixing the house, it was so nice to enjoy the beautiful beaches and $10 meals with my husband and kids.
From Survival Mode to Goal Mode
In 2025, I was in "survival mode"—battling insurance companies, hiring contractors, and trying to keep the family calm. I didn’t even set goals last year because I was just trying to keep my head above water.
But 2026 is different. One of my favorite quotes is:
"A goal without a plan is just a wish."
It is so easy to set a goal, but executing it is where the magic happens. Goals are achieved by taking that first step and having a concrete plan.
✨ The 2026 "Action Plan" Giveaway! ✨
To kick off the year, I’m hosting a giveaway right here on the blog! Since we are focusing on intentionality, the entry requirement is a little different.
The Mandatory Entry: Tell me one of your 2026 goals AND your specific plan to achieve it.
Example: If you say "My goal is to lose weight by dieting," that won't count! I want to see your action plan. (See my examples below!)
The Prize
$25 E-Certificate (Amazon, Target, etc.) OR Cash (PayPal, Venmo, etc.)My 2026 Goals (The "Action Plan" Style)
To give you an idea of what I'm looking for, here are two of mine:
Goal #1: Break even with my chickens. I want the eggs for my family to be "free" by covering all expenses through sales.
Track it: I created a spreadsheet for all expenses (feed, labels, cartons).
Audit sales: I have a second spreadsheet to track every egg sold.
Stop the "Freebies": Unless someone is truly in need, I am no longer giving away eggs for free to those who haven't contributed.
Market Research: I’ve checked with other local sellers to ensure my pricing is fair.
Goal #2: Pay off my Jeep by the end of the year. This would pay it off 2 years early and save nearly $2,000 in interest!
The Math: I calculated exactly what I need to pay monthly to hit $0 by December.
Automation: I set up auto-pay for that specific amount to come out on my payday so the funds are gone before I can talk myself out of it!
I have a few more goals (including a vision board!) that I’ll share soon. Now, I want to hear yours!
What is your #1 goal for 2026, and what is the step-by-step plan to make it happen?
I love this 🙌🫶
ReplyDeleteMy goal for 2026 is to help prepare my daughter to compete in the Miss America Pageant someday. She's done one or two pageants, and REALLY wants to compete in Miss America or Miss Teen America when she's older, but neither of us want her to be a "pageant girl", so I've been researching how she can prepare for such a big pageant without doing pageants. So this year she's signed up to be a Washington Teen Ambassador for the Miss America Organization, she will get to train with the Washington state Teen contestants, go to their bootcamp, do all the activities, even compete in interview, evening gown and on-stage question during the actual pageant (but unscored). I also found her a coach to start practicing her public speaking and interviewing skills. I think her goal is super realistic as she doesn't intend on winning, but she'd like to win her state and be on the main stage. That's the goal.
ReplyDeleteMy goal is to lose 30 pounds
ReplyDeleteMy goal is to get my body healthy again. I'm experiencing pain from arthritis and I need to alter my workout routine and shift to something else that won't put extra strain on my joints. My goal is to get the help that I need so that I will be able to do my favorite workouts again.
ReplyDeleteMy goal is to draw and read daily. I used to love doing that but at one point I lacked motivation. Everyday now I draw at least two drawings. I read a few pages from a book, I finished King Lear recently and am now on another book. At first it felt like a chore but I've been consistent and it is more fun now.
ReplyDeleteMy goal for 2026 is to get back into working out after a shoulder injury. I have a whole workout plan already mapped out that is light on the joints, and I'm slooowly easing into it. Step by step, nice and easy does it!
ReplyDeleteto get more exercise. I will be walking for 30 minutes 3 times a week
ReplyDeleteMy goal is to lose the 15 pounds I gained. I will do this by walking more and cutting out the snacks.
ReplyDeleteMy number one goal is to lose 50 pounds this year, and my plan to make that happen is to work out daily (walking/workout videos) and staying on a keto diet.
ReplyDeleteI will read more books. Thank you for the giveaway opportunity.
ReplyDeleteMy number one goal is to manage my arthritis by going to the gym at least three times a week not only for exercise but to use the red light therapy machine.
ReplyDeleteMy goal is to gain knowledge with my health issues. I research a lot, but have not yet found anything that helps.
ReplyDeleteMy big goal for this year is to really focus on just being happy and stressing way less. I’ve realized that one of my biggest hurdles is that I’m rarely calm; I’m always worrying or pushing myself way too hard. I’m finally learning that when I actually take the time to relax, I can actually get more done without the burnout.
ReplyDeleteTo make this happen, I’m planning to set some mini-goals for different areas of my life to help tackle these habits one step at a time. It’s all about finding that balance and working through things at a better pace. I’m really looking forward to a much more peaceful year ahead!
Absolutely magnificent
ReplyDeleteMy goal for the year is to plan an amazing vacation! My step by step plan includes researching how much it will cost, budgeting for it in the monthly budget, finding the best deals on flights and hotels, and researching where to eat!
ReplyDeleteMy goal is to continue walking into 2026. I lost close to 40 lbs last year by being health conscious and walking 10,000 steps per day. I was having issues with my sugar. I was pre diabetic, then I became hypoglycemic. I was also dealing with a very difficult situation in my personal life so I I needed a way to relieve stress. I walked, and walked, and walked some more. I plan to do this with the help of the Health app on my iPhone. It tracks my steps, my active energy, calories, etc. It also gives me a comparison between what I’m doing and what I’ve done. I also use the MyPlate app. It’s helped me build healthy eating habits while seeing real time progress and like the other app, I earn fun badges for completing tasks and challenges. 💪🏼
ReplyDeleteMy goal is to pay off 30% of all debt by the end of the year, we sat down and created a budget, we put a certain amount into an account we’ve opened for this goal, and set up automatic deduction biweekly. In 3 years all debts we own will be paid off in full with exception of our home.
ReplyDeleteTo eat healthier so I can feel heslthier
ReplyDeleteMy goal is to start reading again. I don’t remember that last time I picked up a book.
ReplyDeleteI need to get my A1C blood sugar # down to what it should be...by eating less carbs, and hopefully moving more!
ReplyDeleteMy goal is to spend more time with my family.
ReplyDeleteMy goal is to help
ReplyDeleteMy daughter maintain a good medical routine she has done mental health obstacles and we are trying to figure out what meds can help her. My main goal is for her to be happy again and start college in the fall
Natbelinsky@verizon.net Natalie
My goal is to get the house and my life more organized. I am going through things room by room decluttering rearranging making things easy to find. Today I was working on the bathroom cabinets putting things together with like things example hair accesories all go in one container medical things in another etc.
ReplyDeleteSome of the organizing is going through paperwork and dealing with things I should be taking care of which is helping me organize life making appointments paying bills just dealing with things I should be doing in a more timly manner.
Thats my accomplishable goal.. Some of my goals are a little tougher but it's a start.
Unfortunately, I was in the hospital during the holidays, so my goal is definitely to complete this healing process and come back stronger.
ReplyDelete