Let me start by saying, Happy New Year! Today, I want to share my 2026 goals and reflect on 2025. I am very pro-public goal sharing for one reason only – it takes accountability to a new level.
That being said, this post isn’t strategic or SEO-driven. It is a pause. A note to myself. A place to set my intentions for the next 365 days.
This post might contain affiliate links i.e. I will get a small commission if you purchase an item through them. Your support means the world to me ♥.
2025 Mini Recap
I was so certain 2025 was a mess until I completed my life audit. Because, you see, I had challenges upon challenges:
- THE PINTEREST SLUMP. Pinterest banned my account for over four months by mistake, which led to a complete loss of income and a decline in numbers. Needless to say, I was emotionally done.
- HOBBY WENT ROGUE. I escaped in 2025 for a bunch of different reasons, aka I read 37 books. Which is totally fine; however, I didn’t healthily accomplish my reading goal – it was rather an escape than a relaxing activity.
- And a few more personal challenges – health and otherwise
However, whilst doing my 2025 life audit, I realized I didn’t look past the bad. I didn’t see the good and memorable. I was so caught up in the setbacks that I overlooked all the wonderful things that happened in 2025:
- I became an aunt again
- Celebrated my birthday at the beach with hubby
- Had an impromptu Kruger National Park visit
- Went to Pilanesberg Nature Reserve
- Joined a Bible study group
- Started reading (we will make this less toxic in 2026)
- Visited a music festival and mini markets
- Had a family wedding and engagement
- Started up my YouTube channel again
- Had the most amazing bushveld family Christmas
THE LESSON – There are always rainbows among storms.
My 2026 Word
LOCK-IN. 2026 is about focus and determination. I want to see what happens if I give 110% for 52 weeks. This might sound like a recipe for burnout, but I am positive that with proper systems and mini fun side quests, I will find a balance.
My 2026 Goals
Career
Stabilizing. 2026 is all about creating a system and optimizing my blog, Etsy, and YouTube to ensure a stable income.Â
- JOURNEY BY MEDIAVINE. Get a consistent 10000+ blog sessions per month to join Journey, a better-paying ad company.
- STAR SELLER ON ETSY. This is huge, and it’s gonna be hard. But I am aiming for Star Seller status on Etsy this year.
- MONETIZE YOUTUBE. I recently started posting long-form content on YouTube again and hope to create another stream of income with it.
- 5000 FOLLOWERS. I want to grow my social media; that being said, it is not one of my high-priority goals.
- NEWLSETTER IMPROVEMENT. I want to move my newsletter to another provider, hit 1000 subs, and send out consistent weekly emails.
- GUEST POST. Another goal is to do more guest blog posts and interconnect with other bloggers.
Finance
I have goals here, but I prefer to keep financial goals private ♥.
Spiritual
As a Christian, I have the same goal every year – improve my relationship with God. As part of this, I want to:
- Read and pray daily
- Attend my Bible study group
- Go to church regularly
Mental + Physical
I am mentally in a good space, sans my mini emotional breakdown in 2025, lol. As for physical:
- Weigh 68kg
- Do a health check and tests
- Upgrade our medical aid plan
Personal
I’ve included some much-needed side quests in my personal goals list:
- Healthily read 30 fictional books, even if that means reading less.
- Read at least 5 non-fiction books
- Build puzzles
- Move into our own place
- Go on a family holiday
- Do a crucial digital declutter
- Write something messy
- Create a Life Magazine
- Listen to podcasts instead of mindless scrolling
- Spend time with my husband – he worked in the USA for 9 months out of each year for 6 years and is now staying in South Africa.
2026 Vision Board
My 2026 Ins And Outs
Ins:
- Pursuing my goals intentionally
- Shifting my focus to notice the positive
- Embracing the ‘I am good enough’ mindset
Outs:
- Letting go of comparison
- Making hobbies toxic
- Questioning my abilities
Conclusion
That is a wrap for my 2026 goals. I cannot wait to see what this year has in store for us! Comment your top goals down below!
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Have a great year wherever you are in the world!
Love, Steph ♥
