2026 is just around the corner (as I am writing this) and most people, if not all start of the year by setting their intentions and goals.

If you are reading this in December 2025 then this is literally the most perfect time to not only set your goals for the coming year, but also set up systems in place to achieve those goals and even get started on them. If you want to get extra, you can also create a vision board by following this guide>>> How to Create a Vision Board That Actually Manifests in 2026 

In the book Atomic Habits by James Clear, which you probably have already heard of and if not you should def check it out, talks about building good habits and by extension achieving your goals. In the book, James Clear says “You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.”

So, you should not only set your goals for the coming year but also set up systems that will support you in achieving said goals. I can write more about setting systems and how to do it in another post but today is all about goal list ideas for 2026.

This list of goals is going to more of like a menu of things and ideas you may want to experience, learn, and achieve.

I will start of by sharing a list of goals I want to achieve and you can borrow some and add to your list as well.

My personal 2026 goal list

I think my theme for the coming year is going to be novelty. I want to continually learn new skills, broaden my world view and, experience new experiences. They also say novelty slows down the perception of time and lack of novelty is one of the reasons why time feels like its going faster as you become an adult because you are doing the same thing over and over again.

I will not share super personal goals but a few general ones that I think are on theme with novelty and will bring about joy and whimsy.

1. Learn ASL and at least have basic conversational skills. The reason why I was inspired to have this as a goal is because one of my favorite books, Archer’s Voice which made me intrigued with learning Sign Language.
2. Journal how my day was every day – the other day I was looking back at my years growing up and I can’t really remember what I was doing day to day or what I was thinking. This is why I want to write down my day to day life, my opinions on stuff so that in the next 10, 20 and even 50 years I can look back and have a written memory of the mundane stuff I used to do.
3. Learn more about investing and build my investment profile.
4. Finish writing my book – I need to come in correct this year and actually finish my first draft and see whether I want to go the traditional publishing route or self publish.
5. Skydiving – I don’t know if I can call this a goal per se but I really want to try this soon, it looks so fun.

Those are a few of my goals and I’d love to hear some of yours, please share them in the comments below.

Now let’s get into the goal list ideas to give you more ideas and inspiration, and remember, “Goals are about the results you want to achieve. Systems are about the processes that lead to those results.” So don’t forget to also set those systems as well!

35 Goal List Ideas for 2026

Personal Growth Goals

1. Read one new book every month.
2. Create your own personal curriculum (topics you’ve always wanted to learn about).
3. Journal every morning or night for 10 minutes.
4. Build a solid morning routine that actually fits your lifestyle.
5. Start a gratitude list add one thing every day.

Health & Wellness Goals

6. Move your body at least 30 minutes a day (walks count!).
7. Try a new form of exercise yoga, pilates, or dance workouts.
8. Drink more water than coffee.
9. Cook more homemade meals and try new recipes each week.
10. Prioritize sleep aim for consistent bedtimes.

Career & Learning Goals

11. Take an online course to upskill or learn something new.
12. Create a digital portfolio or personal website.
13. Network intentionally reach out to one new connection a month.
14. Read a book or listen to a podcast related to your field.
15. Build a side project that excites you.

Financial Goals

16. Start a savings or investment plan.
17. Track your spending for 30 days to see where your money actually goes.
18. Build an emergency fund (even a small one counts).
19. Learn about budgeting or personal finance.
20. Challenge yourself to a “no spend” week or month.

Creative & Passion Goals

21. Start a blog, YouTube channel, or creative hobby.
22. Learn to take better photos or videos.
23. Write a short story, poem, or personal essay.
24. Try a DIY or home decor project.
25. Start a passion project something that’s just for you.

Relationship & Social Goals

26. Reconnect with old friends or distant family members *not the toxic ones*.
27. Practice active listening in every conversation.
28. Set healthier boundaries with work, people, and technology.
29. Plan a weekend getaway with your closest friends.
30. Volunteer or contribute to a cause you care about.

Lifestyle & Adventure Goals

31. Travel to at least one new place even locally.
32. Declutter and simplify your living space.
33. Start a digital detox once a week.
34. Romanticize your everyday life take yourself on solo dates.
35. Learn to slow down and enjoy the present moment.

Keep in Mind

Your goals don’t have to look like anyone else’s. You don’t need a five-year plan or a vision board full of luxury cars. You just need intention, small actions that align with what matters most to you.

If you want to stay consistent, try breaking your 2026 goals into monthly themes (like “January: health,” “February: learning,” “March: creativity”). It helps you stay focused and gives each month a fresh energy.