Yes, it’s already the middle of January—can you believe it? This year is moving fast! How are you doing so far? I hope you’ve already had a few little moments that made you smile.
If you haven’t stopped to think about that yet, take just a second right now to look back over this past week. Something good has already happened. Even small things count—and they’re worth noticing.
What I wanted to share with you is a gentle, joyful (and non-stressful!) way to think about the year ahead.
Instead of setting traditional New Year’s goals, what if you tried something a little more creative?
What if you chose 26 things you’d like to do in 2026—your own “26 in ’26” list?
I got this idea from Gretchen Rubin. Last year I did her “25 in ’25” challenge, and even though I didn’t complete every single item, I finished about 14 of them—which is far more than I would have done without having a list to guide me.
This year I’ve made my own 26 in ’26 chart, and I keep it where I can see it every day. I actually look at it when I’m planning my week—it helps me choose how I want to spend my time.
And guess what? I’ve already crossed one thing off! Restarting my email letters was on my list, and I did that the very first week of January. That little “X” across the box felt so good!
The beauty of this kind of list is that you can fill it with anything that matters to you. Big or small. Practical or playful.
Some ideas might be:
- A special trip you’d love to take
- A TV series you want to watch from beginning to end
- A book series you’ve always meant to read
- A closet or drawer you’ve been putting off organizing
- A sport or activity you’d like to try
- A skill you want to learn
- A certain amount of money you want to save
The sky really is the limit.
I like this way of setting goals because each little square holds something meaningful to me — something that will make me feel good when I finish it. And there’s something so satisfying about crossing a square off when it’s done.
I also grouped my list into a few simple categories this year:
- Personal growth and faith
- Fitness
- Painting
- Revenue-producing projects
- Travel
Then I added one more row called “Extras,” because things like joining a choir, installing my master bedroom design, and playing in a pickleball tournament didn’t quite fit anywhere else — but they mattered to me, so I wanted them on my list.
You might enjoy organizing your list in a similar way.
The most important part of all this is simply choosing something. Don’t stay stuck wondering which direction to go. Give yourself permission to decide. If you complete every item, wonderful. If you don’t, that’s okay too. It’s all part of your beautiful journey.
If you’d like to learn more about this idea, I highly recommend Gretchen Rubin’s work — she has wonderful encouragement around habits, goals, and happiness.
I hope this inspires you to dream just a little bit and make room for more things that bring you joy.
P.S. One of the things on my own 26 in ’26 list is starting a monthly “Pop of Joy Art Club.” For just $9 a month, you’ll receive an original piece of art from me. I’m keeping it affordable because I believe everyone deserves to enjoy original art.
If that sounds fun to you, just email me at christy@christylargent.com and I’ll add you to my early launch list so you’ll be the first to know when it opens. And who knows—there may even be a few extra goodies along the way too. 💕
New to The Best-Life Project?
Please read these foundational posts:
Read More from This Author:
Christy Largent is a motivational speaker, painter, and joy enthusiast based in Texas. After decades as an interior designer and professional speaker, she’s now inspiring women everywhere to embrace their Empty Nest years as a fresh season of discovery. Through her art, writing, and storytelling, Christy encourages others to live with purpose, laughter, and faith—because joy truly is made visible.
Follow her at ChristyLargent.com or on Instagram @ChristyLargent for a daily dose of color, creativity, and encouragement.