My 2026 Goals: A Year Built on Consistency, Freedom, and Intentional Living

I don’t set goals to impress anyone else.
I set them so my days line up with the life I actually want to live.

For 2026, I wanted something different than vague resolutions or pressure-filled promises. I wanted goals I could see, track, and complete—goals that work with my real life, my work schedule, and my energy.

This year isn’t about doing more.
It’s about doing the right things consistently.

Here’s how I’m building 2026—one intentional system at a time.

MOVE: Building Strength I Can Count On

Movement has always been part of my life, but in 2026 I’m focusing on consistency over intensity.

My MOVE goals for 2026:

• Run 500–600 miles total

• Run 5 days per week

• Strength train 5 days per week

• Average 8,000–10,000 steps per day

• Stretch or do mobility work 4 times per week

Nothing here is extreme.
Everything here is sustainable.

I track this daily and weekly in my calendar, and when I complete the habit, I highlight it in red. Seeing that visual progress keeps me motivated far more than chasing perfect workouts ever could.

THRIVE: Nourishment, Creativity, and Calm

Thrive isn’t about perfection—it’s about support.

My THRIVE goals for 2026:

• Cook salmon at home twice a week (heart-healthy and realistic)

• Publish 150 Thrive posts (about 3 per week)

• Declutter one space per month

• Listen to 60 audiobooks

I don’t force habits that don’t fit my life. I work multiple jobs, so “cook every night” isn’t realistic. But cooking salmon twice a week? That’s specific, doable, and meaningful.

Creatively, 2026 is a growth year. Writing and sharing consistently matters more than making everything perfect.

ESCAPE: Travel with Intention, Not Exhaustion

Travel is a huge part of my life—but I want it to feel expansive, not rushed.

My ESCAPE goals for 2026:

• Take 4–6 intentional trips (work, pleasure, or both)

• Plan one international slow trip (7+ days)

• Use points or deals for my international flight

• Create one meaningful memory each month

• Spend 30–45 days traveling total throughout the year

Some trips will be for work. Some will be for rest.
All of them will be intentional.

MONEY: Quietly Building Freedom

My financial goal for 2026 is simple and strong: invest consistently and protect my future flexibility.

My MONEY plan:

• Invest $13,200 total in 2026

  • $800/month Roth 401(k)

  • $200/month IRA

  • $100/month traditional 401(k)

• Continue contributing to my HSA

• Carry no consumer debt other than my home mortgage

I’m not chasing quick wins. I’m building tax-free options, stability, and choice.

BRAND: Growing Without Burning Out

Active Escape continues to grow—but I’m doing it my way.

My BRAND goals for 2026:

• Create 150 Reels/posts

• Publish 12 evergreen blog posts

• Grow Pinterest to 30,000 monthly views

• Build steady affiliate income ($100–$250/month consistently)

• No pressure to build an email list this year

The focus is on showing up, creating value, and letting momentum compound.

How I Track It All (This Is the Secret)

I don’t rely on motivation.
I rely on systems.

I use a digital calendar and spreadsheet with daily, weekly, and monthly goals. When I complete something, I highlight it in red. That’s it.

Red means done.
Red means progress.
Red means I showed up.

The Real Goal for 2026

The real goal isn’t hitting every number.

The real goal is waking up at the end of the year knowing:

• I kept promises to myself

• I moved my body consistently

• I traveled intentionally

• I invested in my future

• I built something meaningful, one day at a time

That’s what success looks like to me.

If you’re setting goals this year, my encouragement is simple:
Make them visible. Make them measurable. Make them yours.