Over the past few years, as I’ve written goals, I’ve written them more broadly but I have found that it is hard to see progress with those goals because they are not specific. So, this year, I’m writing more specific and, for the most part, measurable goals. That means I will have more than “26 for 2026” when it comes to goals. I am incorporating line items from my 101-1001 day goal list as well as just general goals.
So, here's my plan - I'll include some explanations as needed. There will also be some personal goals that aren't included.
1. Stage 2 of Decluttering the Basement - in 2025 I finally tackled the crazy cluttered basement by doing a "quick sort". I tossed, organized and donated things that were quick, easy decisions by spending 15-30 minutes in the basement 2-3 days a week. I made sure that things had a home and that the basement was useable. In 2026 I will tackle what I am calling stage 2 - First I plan to count the number of bins I currently have (all sizes) and then work to downsize by at least 1/4 of that number. I also have to go through the "bins of hard decisions" HA! The things that tug at your heart strings or are "special". Ultimately everything needs a home or it can't stay. Stage 2.5 is the cleaning of the basement - it is an old basement so it will always be dusty and such but I do plan to get rid of cobwebs and dust bunnies.
2. My list of scrapbook goals is always long. Here are my top goals: A) Put all memorabilia in albums that are completed. B) Completed 2011 (the oldest book not done). C) Complete 2025 (Because Nate has specifically asked me to get it done so he can look at it) D) Complete 2017 E) Stay current on 2026. F) Complete 2018. Then I also have goals on HOW to complete this: A) Scrapbook a page-a-day every month B) Reserve one weekend a month to be my own "scrapbooking crop". (That doesn't mean every second - but just being able to sit down and enjoy my hobby)
3. Learn to make Macaroons - I bought a kit back in 2020 and have yet to make them - this is my year!
4. Get my oven fixed. :-)
5. Eat a Mediterranean Diet - my 101-1001 goals is a month but my first goals is a week HA! I did actually research this in 2025 and came up with a weeks plan, now I need to actually do it. There is no reason behind this other than I saw the idea on a friends list and added it to mine. I should add that Josh has told me he wants to plan a week of meals for the family and do the shopping - I should have him do that as well.
6. Move my FIL's piano to Josh's room
7. Complete all the projects in Josh's room
8. Complete a few projects in Nate's room.
9. Figure out a make-up routine that is better for my skin and for me!
10. Host Nate's 16th birthday party.
11. Since I can't seem to get Google workspace to work for me, I need to updated and upload Solid Rock documents onto a flash drive so they are saved somewhere other than my computer.
12. Write out the job description for my job as secretary.
13. Clean the outside of the windows
14. Clean and either use or sell the pop-up
15. Watch a Lake Michigan Sunset
16. Visit the church I grew up in on a Sunday Morning. This is just on my list of 101-1001 items.
17. Teach Piano Lessons
18. Paint trim and doors white in the house (a freshening up of all things white)
19. Do touch up of paint in all the rooms as needed.
20. Deep clean and update the bathroom - wipe down walls, paint the ceiling (Josh has said he will help!), replace lights and mirror and get new decor
21. Put together a music binder with piano songs I want to master in 2026
22. Memorize my verses for 101-1001
23. Camp 1-2 times this year.
24. Purchase and hang curtains in my living room
25. Visit Metro Beach for our 25th year
26. Plan our 25th year getaway
27. Recreate several of our dates for our 25th year.
28. Repair our front deck ( a deer ran into it and broke a railing and posts)
29. Power wash the house
30. Take down our swing set (Makes me sad)
31. Improve the backyard - look at each section and clean it out, do anything to update it if needed and just make it enjoyable
32. Plan a small container garden or a small garden. I'd like to try to grow our own pumpkins
33. Repair the garage door opener.
34. There are some big ticket items that are on the radar - obviously these depend on finances but those include replacing boards on the garage, replacing the side door and replacing our slider.
35. Attend a Tigers game as a family
36. Plan a family vacation
37. Visit a college with Josh and help him with that process.
38. Make a cheesecake
39. Visit Canada with the family
40. Decorate the laundry room
41. Get family photos done in the spring and plan for Josh's senior photos as well
42. Visit Henry Ford Museum
43. Visit Belle Isle
44. Power wash/varnish my swing
45. Read 130 books in 2026
46. Read non-fiction books toward my 101-1001 goal
47. Turn off the cable box and find ways to watch TV while saving money
48. Find ways to unplug once a week.
So, now, I take these goals and write my monthly goals. Then, once I write the current months goals, I print them and write weekly/daily goals that help me reach towards accomplishing as much as I can each month. Sometimes I write the weekly/daily goals all at once for the week and print them. Other weeks, I write them daily on my phone and check them off that way. Both ways work, it just depends on what I feel like doing each week.
