I take some time after the holidays to set my annual goals, when I can reflect and plan with clarity. Instead of short-lived New Year’s resolutions, I map out goals for the whole year and track them in my journal. It’s a practice that keeps me focused, accountable and moving forward well past January.

Over time, I’ve found that three simple tools make this approach both manageable and effective.

Find Your Tools for Success

Before I dive in, allow me to explain briefly how I find having some easy-to-use tools are paramount with establishing your goals and following through with them. What works for me may not work for you, but of these three, you’ll find some quite easy to execute. While all three tools matter, the one-word theme has become the foundation for everything else.

1. One-word theme: The simplest by far is committing to your word for the year. Thanks to podcast duos Gretchen Rubin, author of the Happiness Project, and her sister Elizabeth Craft, TV producer and screenwriter, they’ve inspired me to choose a one-word theme the past several years. Listen to their Happier podcast about selecting their theme words this year.
2. 26 for 26 List: Also inspired by Happier podcasts from Gretchen and Elizabeth, this list gives me the opportunity to define goals for happiness and success for the coming year. While I may not complete them all every year, I’m very satisfied when I check off what I accomplish each year. Definitely worth trying, honest. Listen to the sisters’ Happier 26 for 26 lists for ideas and inspiration. 
3. Goal Journaling: It can be as simple as using a basic notebook or a tracker like I use; I recommend Commit30. I’m on my fifth year tracking and going strong. I personally like the accountability to manage goals on a daily basis. I also jot down my theme word and annual list in the front of the book, keeping me accountable through the year. 

Figuring Out My Word for the Year

For the past several years, I’ve made a habit of choosing one word to frame my goals for the year. After plenty of reflection — and some helpful back-and-forth with ChatGPT — flourish finally clicked, bringing with it that “aha” moment I was hoping for. I considered words like move and nimble, but they never fully resonated. When flourish surfaced, I knew I had found it.

To flourish, to me, is to grow with intention in every season of life, much like tending a garden. Flourishing isn’t chasing perfection; it’s nurturing what already works and gently strengthening what needs care. Ultimately, it’s the ongoing practice of becoming more fully myself while creating a life that feels rich, balanced and meaningful.

Looking back, my previous one-word theme words have reflected different stages of my journey:

• Stride reminded me to take deliberate steps, pace mindfully and move forward with intention and calm.
• Dandelion encouraged me to lighten up in both mind and body.
• Spice pushed me to add variety and flavor to bring newness to my life.
• Flourish feels like the next natural step because it embodies all of these ideas and carries them into a sense of blossoming and abundance. I love the symbolism of nature and growth, probably because I’ve always loved gardening and watching things thrive.

With flourish as my guiding word, it became easier to clarify where I want to focus my energy this year, starting with my health.

Wellness Goals: Body and Mind

For 2026, I plan to focus is on health and fitness, with an emphasis on strength training and consistent movement. I plan to incorporate within my “26 for 26” approach, 26 basic exercise reps (plants, burpees, squats, etc.) daily to make activity a steady part of my routine, even on busy days. I also want to reach my goal weight and focus on maintaining it. That will require attention to eating more protein, vegetables and fiber, as well as walking four times a week (or more) when the weather allows, balanced with regular indoor and online strength training workouts.  

But flourishing isn’t only about physical strength or fitness. I want to spend less headspace overthinking and more time enjoying life. That means moving more decisively, writing blog posts without getting stuck on perfection, and simply allowing myself to experience moments fully instead of rethinking, second-guessing or overanalyzing.

Downtime and Reading

Just as important as movement and momentum is making space for rest, curiosity and connection. Flourishing also means balancing time with family and friends while leaving space for downtime. I want to read more — aiming for at least 12 books again — and immerse myself in personal passions like gardening and learning about the world. One of my goals is to read a young adult book about Monarch butterfly migration to Mexico and then share the experience with my grandchildren.

Keeping Things Spicy

I also want to continue bringing more spice into everyday life at home. Goals include experimenting with new recipes from a new Simply Well High Protein cookbook, mastering my grainy oat cinnamon-chip scone recipe (almost ready to share!) and commit to five new dishes to add to my dinner rotation. At the same time, I want to reduce food waste and make better use of what we already have.

Experiences are an important part of flourishing too. I want to travel, see the world from new perspectives, and always ask myself what would bring the most joy. I’m considering trips to the Amalfi Coast in Italy, Caribbean island of St. Martin (my favorite chill vacay), a family destination wedding and girls’ trips. I also want to enjoy adventures with my grandchildren.

Simple Goals Go a Long Way

Other personal goals include finally growing out the layers of my hair, making intentional updates to our living space, and finding ways to enhance daily closeness and joy with my husband. Small rituals — playing music while cooking, taking short walk breaks together, or sharing TV time — can make everyday moments feel richer.

Flourishing doesn’t stop at home. I also want to bring more creativity to my work, making the projects I handle more engaging for the audiences I support and increasing the value I bring in my role.

My Aim to Flourish

Choosing flourish as my word for 2026 is about integrating every part of life: body, mind, relationships, work, home and personal growth. It’s about moving forward with intention, making choices, embracing life and creating space for joy.

Check out my previous years’ goal planning posts:

• 2025: ‘Spice’ Things Up to Pursue Your Goals
• 2024: One-Word Theme ‘Dandelion’ to ‘Lighten Up’
• 2023: The Year to Take Things in ‘Stride’

When it comes to personal goals, you set the rules. Plan them any day, any month, any season. If there’s something you really want, make a plan and follow through. A year from now, you’ll be glad you did, believe me! Just. Do. It.

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