As we step into 2025, it’s the perfect time to start planning for an extraordinary 2026. Whether you’re looking to improve your health, expand your horizons, or create meaningful changes in your life, having a comprehensive list of goals can transform your entire year. This 61 Things You Should Do In 2026 guide will help you create a roadmap for personal growth, adventure, and fulfillment that goes far beyond typical New Year’s resolutions.
The beauty of planning ahead lies in the intentionality it brings to your daily choices. Instead of letting another year slip by, you can approach 2026 with purpose, excitement, and a clear vision of what you want to accomplish. From simple daily habits to life-changing adventures, these 61 activities will challenge you, inspire you, and help you become the best version of yourself
Health and Wellness: Building Your Foundation for 2026
Physical Health Goals That Actually Work
Creating a healthier lifestyle doesn’t require extreme measures. The most successful health transformations come from consistent, sustainable habits that you can maintain throughout the year.
Daily Movement Goals:
- Walk more than 5,000 steps daily – This isn’t just about fitness; it’s about creating a sustainable foundation for your entire wellness routine
- Work out at home three times per week – Use bodyweight exercises, yoga videos, or simple equipment to stay consistent
- Take the stairs instead of elevators whenever possible
- Park farther away from store entrances to add extra steps
- Do 10 minutes of stretching every morning
- Try a new physical activity each month – dancing, swimming, martial arts, or rock climbing
For those looking to enhance their wellness routine, consider exploring healthy habits to start in your 20s that can benefit anyone at any age.
Nutrition and Hydration:
7. Plan meals the night before to improve dietary consistency and reduce unhealthy eating habits
8. Learn and prepare one new healthy recipe each month to expand your nutritional variety
9. Drink 8 glasses of water daily – keep a water bottle with you always
10. Eat a rainbow of vegetables – aim for different colored produce each day
11. Reduce processed food intake by 50%
12. Start a small herb garden – grow your own herbs at home for fresh, healthy cooking
Mental Health and Self-Care Priorities
Your mental wellness deserves the same attention as your physical health. These practices will help you build resilience and maintain emotional balance throughout 2026.
Sleep and Rest:
13. Establish a consistent sleep schedule – target a bedtime between 10 PM and midnight
14. Create a tech-free bedroom environment
15. Develop a calming bedtime routine with reading or meditation
16. Take power naps when needed (15-20 minutes maximum)
Stress Management:
17. Complete a 30-day happiness challenge to systematically improve mental wellness and emotional resilience
18. Practice daily meditation for at least 10 minutes
19. Learn breathing exercises for anxiety management
20. Schedule regular “me time” without guilt
21. Declutter your living space monthly for mental clarity
Developing self-love habits can significantly impact your overall well-being and confidence throughout the year.
Personal Growth and Adventure: Expanding Your Horizons in 2026
Learning and Skill Development
Continuous learning keeps your mind sharp and opens new opportunities. These goals will challenge you intellectually and creatively throughout 2026.
Educational Pursuits:
22. Read 24 books (2 per month) across different genres
23. Learn a new language using apps, classes, or conversation groups
24. Take an online course in something completely outside your expertise
25. Attend workshops or seminars in your field of interest
26. Master a new technology or software program
27. Learn a musical instrument or improve existing skills
Creative Expression:
28. Launch a blog or YouTube channel dedicated to topics and interests you are passionate about
29. Try a new art form – painting, pottery, photography, or digital design
30. Write in a journal daily – explore meaningful ways to fill your journal
31. Learn calligraphy or hand lettering
32. Create something with your hands – woodworking, knitting, or crafting
33. Document your year through photography or video
Adventure and Travel Goals
Stepping outside your comfort zone creates the most memorable experiences and personal growth opportunities.
Travel Adventures:
34. Travel to at least one destination you’ve never visited to broaden your global perspective
35. Experience canyoning in Slovenia – featuring heart-pounding rappels through stunning gorges and refreshing swims
36. Schedule a hiking trip every other month to combine physical activity with nature exploration
37. Try glamping or camping in a national park
38. Take a solo trip to build confidence and self-reliance
39. Visit a new city in your own country or state
Local Adventures:
40. Explore your own city like a tourist
41. Try 12 new restaurants throughout the year
42. Attend local festivals and community events
43. Take day trips to nearby attractions you’ve never visited
44. Go stargazing in a dark sky location
Courage-Building Challenges
Personal growth happens when you push beyond your comfort zone. These challenges will build confidence and resilience.
Fear-Facing Activities:
45. Accomplish 10 activities that scare you throughout 2026 to drive personal growth and confidence
46. Give a public speech or presentation
47. Try an extreme sport (with proper safety measures)
48. Perform on stage – singing, comedy, or theater
49. Start difficult conversations you’ve been avoiding
50. Apply for a dream job or opportunity
Community and Relationships: Building Meaningful Connections
Giving Back and Volunteering
Contributing to your community creates purpose and connection while making a positive impact on others.
Service Opportunities:
51. Volunteer and contribute to your community through organized service and outreach opportunities
52. Mentor someone in your field or area of expertise
53. Participate in charity runs or fundraising events
54. Help elderly neighbors with tasks or companionship
55. Support local businesses and artisans
56. Organize a community cleanup day
Strengthening Personal Relationships
Investing in relationships enriches your life and creates lasting happiness.
Relationship Building:
57. Schedule regular date nights or friend meetups
58. Write thank you letters to people who’ve impacted your life
59. Learn to cook together with family or friends
60. Plan surprise celebrations for loved ones’ achievements
61. Practice active listening and improve communication skills
“The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.” – Chinese Proverb
This wisdom applies perfectly to your 61 Things You Should Do In 2026 list. Whether you’re 25 or 65, it’s never too late to start building the life you want.
Making Your 2026 Goals Stick
Creating Sustainable Habits
The key to successfully completing these 61 activities isn’t perfection – it’s consistency and adaptability. Here are strategies to help you stay on track:
Planning Strategies:
- Break large goals into monthly mini-goals
- Use a habit tracker or journal to monitor progress
- Find accountability partners for major challenges
- Celebrate small wins along the way
- Adjust goals as circumstances change
Overcoming Obstacles:
- Start small and build momentum gradually
- Focus on progress, not perfection
- Learn from setbacks without harsh self-judgment
- Create backup plans for challenging periods
- Remember your “why” for each goal
Consider starting your morning routine with positive affirmations to maintain motivation throughout your journey.
Tracking Your Progress
Document your journey through 2026 to stay motivated and reflect on your growth:
- Monthly check-ins to assess progress
- Photo documentation of adventures and achievements
- Gratitude journaling to appreciate the journey
- Sharing successes with friends and family
- Regular goal adjustments based on what you learn about yourself
Seasonal Considerations for Your 2026 Journey
Spring Goals (March-May)
- Start your herb garden
- Begin outdoor hiking adventures
- Launch new creative projects
- Focus on decluttering and fresh starts
Summer Goals (June-August)
- Plan your major travel adventures
- Increase outdoor physical activities
- Try water sports or beach activities
- Host gatherings and strengthen relationships
Fall Goals (September-November)
- Harvest from your garden
- Prepare cozy indoor activities
- Focus on learning new skills
- Practice gratitude and reflection
Winter Goals (December-February)
- Develop indoor hobbies and crafts
- Focus on reading and education
- Plan for the following year
- Emphasize self-care and mental health
Conclusion
Your 61 Things You Should Do In 2026 journey starts with a single step, but it has the potential to transform your entire year and beyond. These activities aren’t just a checklist – they’re invitations to live more fully, love more deeply, and grow more intentionally.
Remember that this list is meant to inspire, not overwhelm. Choose the activities that resonate most with your current life situation and personal goals. You might accomplish all 61 items, or you might focus deeply on 20 that truly matter to you. Both approaches are perfectly valid.
Your next steps:
- Review the entire list and highlight 10-15 items that excite you most
- Schedule specific activities into your calendar for the first quarter of 2026
- Share your goals with someone who will support and encourage you
- Start preparing now – research destinations, gather supplies, or begin small habits
- Create a tracking system that works for your lifestyle
The most important thing is to begin. As 2026 approaches, you’ll have a roadmap for an extraordinary year filled with growth, adventure, and meaningful experiences. Your future self will thank you for taking action today.
Start planning your amazing 2026 now, and remember – every expert was once a beginner, every adventure started with a single step, and every transformed life began with a decision to try something new. Make 2026 the year you look back on with pride, joy, and amazement at how much you accomplished and how far you’ve grown.
