goals for 2026

“A goal without a plan is just a wish.”
- Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

How do you structure your goals?

Since college, I’ve taken a theme-of-the-year approach.

  • 2023 - Weight Loss
    • Started running, started climbing, got back into volleyball, lost 50 lbs
  • 2024 - Side Hustle Revenue
    • Monetized my iOS app, launched an Android app, made $25k
  • 2025 - SF Social Life
    • Moved to SF, made a bunch of new friends, met a girl
  • 2026 - ???

General themes are nice but they always felt a bit vague. Without clear goals I have been wandering a bit aimlessly. One theme for the year also felt a bit limiting. Surely I can focus on more than one theme at a time?

This year, I took a step back to think about what the best version of myself would look like and how I can take specific steps to excel in those areas of my life.

I’ve picked out 4 different themes. Each theme has some general goals. Each general goal has specific tasks.

My hope is that breaking these down into smaller actionable goals will give me a clear path towards achieving them.

So here is my 2026 ✨Master Plan✨, a guiding roadmap for the year ahead.

Knowledge

The ability to think clearly and articulate my position on a well-rounded variety of topics.

  • Read more
    • 1 book / month
    • 7 articles / week
  • Write more
    • 1 blog post / week
  • Learn more
    • Take an online course

Creation

Create things that provide value to others, making life easier, simpler, and/or more joyful.

Finance

A solid financial foundation that allows me to fund a life that is meaningful and fulfilling.

  • Work towards FIRE (Financial Independence Retire Early)
    • Invest 40% of my income
  • Financial resilience
    • Maintain a 9 month emergency fund
    • Establish multiple streams of income (job, side projects, investments)

Health

A strong and healthy body to do all the things I want to do in life.

  • Clear picture of my health metrics
    • Blood draws (2 per year)
    • Body fat % (Dexca scan)
    • Weight (maintain 150-160lbs)
    • Track sleep stats (aim for 7-8 hours per night)
  • Run a marathon
    • 1 half marathon / month
    • Create a marathon training plan

I’m really happy with this plan. It targets the important themes that I want to work towards, with clear goals for how to reach them.

But let’s be honest, it’s not pretty to look at.

So below, you’ll find a bingo board-ified version of my 2026 goals!
(plus a few fun bucket list items sprinkled in)

I’ll periodically update this board and include a changelog as we make our way through 2026.

Wishing you a Happy New Year and the best of luck with your goals 🎉

Play in a beach volleyball tournament

Read 12 books (~1 per month)

Cook Risotto using Carnaroli rice

Start a company

Run a marathon

Picnic in the park

Mail physical letters to friends

Launch Blog Log

Get bloodwork done

Earn $10k in one month from side projects

Run 500 miles total

Dexa scan (body fat percentage)

Watch a REALLY nice sunset

Complete an online course

Crosstown Trail (again)

Host 12 events (~1 per month)

Climb a v5.12

Launch Sous Kitchen

Go camping

Monetize Android version of QR Me

Run across the Golden Gate Bridge

Raise Vitamin D levels above 50 ng/mL

Write a letter to my future self

Host a pasta night

Write 52 blogs (~1 per week)

Changelog

  • 01/08/2026: Carnaroli Software LLC was founded!