20 Things You Should Do in 2026

 

 

Every year begins with possibility. But too often, we start strong in January and lose our momentum by March, slipping into the same routines as before.

What if 2026 could be different? What if, instead of letting the months slip by, you made intentional choices that helped you feel alive, connected, and purposeful all year long?

Here are 20 meaningful things you should do in 2026 to create a year that matters.

 

1. Begin the year with a vision, not just resolutions

Resolutions tend to fizzle because they’re often about surface-level fixes – “lose weight,” “save money,” “get organized.” A vision, however, looks deeper. It asks: What do I want my life to feel like by the end of 2026? Who do I want to be becoming? Take an afternoon in January to map out that vision. Use words, images, or even a vision board to capture it. This isn’t about perfection – it’s about direction. Once you see the bigger picture, your daily choices naturally begin to align with it.

 

2. Declutter your commitments as much as your closets

We all know the relief of clearing out old clothes or junk drawers – but have you thought about doing the same for your calendar? Take a good look at where your time goes. Are there committees, social obligations, or routines that drain you more than they nourish you? 2026 can be the year you say no more often, making space for what lights you up. Imagine how much lighter you’d feel if your schedule reflected your actual values, not just other people’s demands.

 

3. Start a one-line-a-day journal

You don’t have to be a writer to capture your life. By writing down just one sentence each day – a highlight, a reflection, a funny moment – you create a thread that tells the story of your year. At the end of 2026, you’ll hold a living record of 365 days that you might otherwise forget. It’s simple, sustainable, and surprisingly powerful for building gratitude and awareness.

 

4. Do something every month that excites you

Too often, excitement gets postponed until holidays or vacations. But joy shouldn’t be rare – it should be sprinkled throughout the year. Create twelve “joy dates” in advance, one for each month. These can be big (a weekend trip) or small (a pottery class, a concert, a new café). By putting them on the calendar now, you’ll always have something to look forward to, which helps prevent burnout and gives you steady doses of fun all year long.

 

5. Build one healthy habit that sticks

Instead of overwhelming yourself with ten health goals at once, choose one habit you can realistically stick with. Maybe it’s walking 20 minutes a day, drinking more water, or finally committing to a consistent bedtime. It doesn’t need to be flashy – it just needs to be consistent. Over the course of a year, one small habit practiced daily adds up to massive change.

 

6. Make time for deep rest

In a culture obsessed with productivity, rest often feels like a luxury. But it’s actually the foundation of your energy, focus, and creativity. In 2026, treat rest like an appointment that matters. Schedule “do nothing” afternoons, tech-free evenings, or weekends where you deliberately slow down. Deep rest doesn’t just recharge your body; it re-centers your soul.

 

7. Learn something that scares you a little

Growth and fear often go hand in hand. This year, choose one skill or area of knowledge that stretches you. It could be learning to swim, signing up for a public speaking class, or taking an art workshop. The key is to step into something unfamiliar. Even if you’re terrible at first, you’ll walk away with more confidence and a reminder that you’re capable of more than you thought.

 

8. Travel somewhere you’ve never been

Travel isn’t just about geography – it’s about perspective. New environments awaken your senses and shake you out of autopilot. Whether you explore a foreign country, a nearby city, or a hidden gem in your own state, make 2026 a year where you step into the unknown. Travel teaches you to see the world with fresh eyes, and it leaves you with memories that last far longer than material things.

 

9. Give yourself permission to start over when needed

One of the biggest myths is that once you “fall off the wagon,” the year is ruined. In truth, every day is a chance to start again. Maybe your January fitness plan stalls by February. Maybe you drift from your goals mid-year. So what? Reset in March, in July, even in October. 2026 doesn’t have to be all or nothing. The freedom to begin again – again and again – is what makes true progress possible.

 

10. Create a morning or evening ritual that grounds you

Life moves fast, but rituals slow it down. A ritual isn’t about length; it’s about meaning. Maybe you light a candle and journal each morning. Maybe you end the day with tea and a book. These small anchors give your days rhythm and help you stay centered no matter what chaos surrounds you. In 2026, design a ritual that feels like an exhale for your soul.

 

11. Be intentional with your relationships

Relationships don’t flourish on autopilot – they need intentional care. Make a list of the people who truly matter to you and plan ways to invest in those connections. Call your parents more often, write notes to friends, schedule date nights with your partner. The truth is, time passes quickly, and we never know how many chances we’ll get. Let 2026 be the year you show up fully for the people you love.

 

12. Challenge your money story

Money shapes so many of our choices, but few of us pause to question the beliefs we carry about it. In 2026, take time to review your finances – not just the numbers, but your mindset. Do you see money as something scarce, stressful, or shameful? Or can you start viewing it as a tool that supports your dreams? Make one powerful money move this year: build an emergency fund, pay down debt, or invest in your future. Each step brings you more freedom.

 

13. Declutter your digital world

Our devices are cluttered with apps, photos, emails, and files that drain our attention. A messy digital space creates a messy mind. Dedicate some time in 2026 to clean it up. Unsubscribe from emails you never read, delete apps that waste your time, and back up important files. Imagine opening your laptop or phone and feeling a sense of calm rather than overwhelm.

 

14. Celebrate your wins as you go

We often sprint toward goals and forget to pause and acknowledge progress. In 2026, make it a practice to celebrate each win, no matter how small. Finished a project? Celebrate. Survived a tough week? Celebrate. Found courage to do something new? Definitely celebrate. By creating a rhythm of recognition, you train your brain to see progress instead of only focusing on what’s missing.

 

15. Do one thing that feels wildly “selfish”

We’re taught to serve others, and that’s important. But in 2026, allow yourself at least one act that’s purely for you. Maybe it’s booking a solo trip, investing in a course you’ve always wanted, or buying something that feels indulgent but makes your soul light up. When you honor your desires, you recharge your spirit – and that benefits everyone around you.

 

16. Reconnect with nature

Modern life pulls us indoors and onto screens, but nature has a way of restoring balance. Make it a goal in 2026 to step outside more often. Walk barefoot in the grass. Watch the stars. Take hikes or simply sit by a body of water. Nature reminds us we’re part of something bigger, and it offers a kind of peace no app can replicate.

 

17. Teach or share what you know

You hold wisdom – don’t keep it to yourself. Whether it’s mentoring a younger colleague, hosting a small workshop, starting a blog, or simply teaching your kids something new, find ways to share what you’ve learned. Teaching not only helps others; it solidifies your own growth and reminds you of the journey you’ve taken.

 

18. Practice gratitude daily

Gratitude changes the lens through which we see the world. In 2026, commit to writing down three things you’re grateful for each day. Over the year, that’s more than 1,000 moments of gratitude. This simple practice shifts your focus from what’s lacking to what’s abundant – and it can transform how you experience your life.

 

19. Do something bold just for you

Every year deserves at least one bold move. It doesn’t have to be huge – it just has to feel daring to you. Maybe it’s pitching your big idea at work, moving to a new place, or finally writing the book you’ve been dreaming about. Boldness builds courage, and courage builds a life you’re proud of.

 

20. End the year with intention, not autopilot

December often flies by in a blur of holidays and obligations. This year, pause. Set aside time to reflect: What did 2026 give me? What did I learn? What do I want to carry into 2027? Ending with intention helps you honor the year that was, while preparing you to step into the next chapter with clarity and gratitude.

 

FAQs About Making the Most of 2026

Q: What if I don’t have time for all 20 things?
 A: You’re not meant to do them all at once. Think of this list as a menu, not a to-do list. Pick two or three ideas that resonate most right now. As the year goes on, you can add more. Even one small change can shift the way your year feels.

 

Q: How do I stay consistent with these ideas all year long?
 A: Anchor them to your calendar. Instead of vague intentions, schedule them – book that weekend trip, mark “joy dates,” set reminders for gratitude. Consistency isn’t about willpower; it’s about creating simple systems that help you follow through.

 

Q: What if I try something bold and fail?
 A: Then you’ve still succeeded – because you showed up with courage. Failure is just feedback, a step in the process. Every attempt builds resilience and clarity. Often the “failures” become the most valuable lessons of the year.

 

Q: Isn’t it selfish to focus on myself when others need me?
 A: Taking care of yourself is the opposite of selfish – it’s what allows you to show up stronger, calmer, and more present for the people who matter. Think of it as putting fuel in your own tank. Everyone benefits when you’re not running on empty.

 

Q: How do I know where to start?
 A: Pay attention to your gut reaction. Which idea made you feel excited, nervous, or even resistant as you read the list? That’s a sign it matters. Start there. The “right place” to begin is wherever you feel pulled.

 

Q: What if the year doesn’t go as planned?
 A: It won’t – and that’s okay. Life rarely unfolds perfectly, but the beauty of 2026 is that you can reset at any time. Don’t wait for January 1st to start over. Every new week, every new day, is a fresh chance.

 

Q: How do I keep from feeling overwhelmed by such a big list?
 A: Don’t treat it like homework. Think of it as inspiration. Circle just one idea to try this month. Once you’ve lived it, pick another. Breaking it down makes it manageable and more enjoyable.

 

Q: What if I lose motivation halfway through the year?
 A: Motivation naturally ebbs and flows – that’s normal. What keeps you moving is commitment. Remind yourself why you started, revisit your vision, and give yourself permission to reset instead of giving up. Small steps, done consistently, outlast bursts of motivation.

 

Q: Can I swap in my own ideas instead?
 A: Absolutely. This list is a guide, not a rulebook. If another idea excites you more – do that. The point is to live 2026 with intention and courage, not to check boxes someone else wrote.

 

Q: What if I feel like I’ve “wasted” the first few months of the year?
 A: You haven’t wasted anything. The lessons, struggles, and pauses are part of your story too. The beauty of 2026 is that you can start fresh at any point – June, September, even December. The year is never lost as long as you’re still here.

 

Q: How do I make sure 2026 feels different from other years?
 A: Intention + action. Most years blur because we live on autopilot. This year, choose one thing that breaks the pattern – say no more often, try one bold thing, or create a monthly ritual. Small, intentional disruptions are what transform ordinary years into unforgettable ones.

 

Final Thoughts

2026 doesn’t have to be about doing more – it can be about doing what matters. Each of these 20 ideas is an invitation to live more fully, to stretch beyond routine, and to weave meaning into the everyday. You don’t have to do them all. Just start with one. And then another. By the end of the year, you’ll look back and realize that you didn’t just live through 2026 – you lived it well.

 

 

💡 If you want deeper support with time, goals, and intentional living, this is exactly what we do inside Inspiring Life Academy and Fearless You Club  –  helping you create a life that feels lighter, calmer, more fulfilling and RICHER.

 

🙌🏻 SEE YOUR INSPIRING LIFE ACADEMY SPECIAL HERE

 

With love and belief,

Frances Vidakovic xxx

 

 

 

Before You Go…

 

  • Grab your free gift: How To Stop Self-Sabotaging Yourself Guide (4 steps to finally get out of your own way) CLICK HERE
  • Decide which course will suit you best CLICK HERE
  • Listen to my Inspiring Life School podcast on Spotify or via Apple Podcasts.