Crafting My 2026 Vision Board Goals for Health, Creativity, and Connection

So, it finally happened... I made my first vision board! It's definitely giving off those "trying hard to be aesthetic" vibes but oh well. Every new year brings a fresh chance to rethink what matters most and set goals that inspire real change. For 2026, I decided to follow in the Pinterest girlies' footsteps by creating a vision board that captures my hopes and plans across several important areas of my life. This isn’t just about vague resolutions but about building a clear picture of where I want to be by the end of the year. My focus includes learning how to write and obviously writing more, showing my Oura ring that I can improve my resting heart rate trends, reading regularly, spending quality time with friends and family (including dogs), and pushing myself to take on a creative project outside my full-time job.

As a visual learner, I've always been attracted to mood boards and vision boards as tools for visually organizing my ideas and goals. So this time I wanted to go beyond just listing goals in my head by creating a vision board that reminds me what my priorities should be. I want to allow myself to have more fun by creating more, spend time in the things that matter even if I don't stick to a strict schedule.. I want to still show up for myself and create consistency.

Making Time for Words

I recently found a Substack post about creating a personal curriculum (Meadow Mind) where the author shares tips about self-study. That inspired the idea of creating a structure where I can study creative writing that would in turn create the practice of writing more consistently. Writing is not only a passion but also a way to process thoughts and share ideas. My vision board includes images of books, library spaces, and a typewriter. These visuals push me to carve out time each week for writing, whether it’s journaling, blogging, or working on a longer project.

Building Health Habits That Stick

Health plays a significant role in my 2026 vision board. Over the years, I've been inconsistent with my gym routine. I often fail to maintain a routine because I start off motivated, spending an hour at the gym, thinking I'm making progress. However, my motivation fades because responsibilities get in the way, and my mind convinces me that if I can't commit a good amount of time, there's no point in going, even if it's just for 20-30 minutes. Consequently, my health hasn't been optimal. So I'm changing this mindset; instead of not wanting to try for lack of time, even if I only have 20 minutes to walk while taking the dogs out or do a home workout, I want to train my mind to recognize that I'm being consistent and showing up for myself.

Reading More

As I mentioned in an earlier post, my reading goal for next year is to focus more on fiction. I discovered another Substack creator, Martha's Monthly, who recently shared a Useful Book Gift Guide. I took notes from the list, which is fantastic, and found some excellent recommendations that I plan to get soon. My goal is to read a book each month and share a review or my general thoughts on it on my Substack to hold myself accountable.

Spending Time with Friends and Family

Connection is a key theme on my vision board. I want to prioritize spending quality time with friends and family, especially in ways that create lasting memories.

To make this happen, I’m planning regular get-togethers and phone calls, even if life gets busy. This goal reminds me that relationships need attention and care, just like any other part of life. The new year challenge here is to schedule at least one meaningful social activity each week, helping me stay connected and grounded.

Tackling a Creative Project Outside Work

Finally, I want to challenge myself with a creative project that’s separate from my full-time job. This is about exploring new ideas and skills purely for the joy of creation.

I haven’t decided exactly what the project will be yet, but I’m excited to experiment with different mediums like paint and other materials to redecorate my home, photography, or even crafting. The goal is to dedicate regular time to this project, treating it as a priority rather than an afterthought. This part of my vision board keeps my creativity alive and reminds me that growth happens outside comfort zones.

This ongoing process of self-discovery is not just about pursuing new interests; it is about embracing the complexities of who I am and who I aspire to be. It involves giving other facets of myself a chance to see where it takes me.