In a few hours, we will close the door on 2025 and step into 2026.
New pages. New decisions. New possibilities.
And while the year changes for everyone, we want to say this clearly: we do not take it for granted that you choose to stay connected to us. Your support, your trust, your referrals, your kind words, and the way you include SB Realty in your world means more than we can put into a single email. We are grateful for you, and we are excited to go into this next year with you.
Now let us talk about the part everyone wants: the plan.
Not the dramatic, overhaul-your-life plan. The kind that actually works when life is busy. Goal planning can feel so overwhelming. Like if you do not map out every detail, you are already behind. It can feel heavy, and honestly a little damning.
But it is much simpler than you think. Here is a foolproof three-step plan that keeps it clear, realistic, and doable.
STEP 1: PICK ONE WORD FOR THE YEAR
Choose one word you want your life to feel like. Not what you want to accomplish, but what you want to carry into every decision. When your calendar gets crowded, this word becomes your filter. If you want a simple way to choose your own word, start here: when you picture December 2026, what do you want to feel proud of? Write the answer down. Then choose the one word that fits it best.
THE JOY YEAR
Our word for 2026 is Joy.
Not the performative kind. The real kind. The kind you make space for on purpose.
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STEP 2: CHOOSE THREE GOALS ONLY, then work backwards.
This is the secret to making goals feel doable instead of overwhelming. You are not just picking goals, you are giving them a path.
1. Start with the end in mind. For each goal, write what “done” looks like in one clear sentence. Instead of “get healthier,” try “work out 3 days a week for 30 minutes.”
Instead of “get organized,” try “clear the garage and set up labeled storage.”
2. Pick a target season. You do not need a perfect date, but you do need a time frame. Choose: By March. By summer. By September. By the end of the year. This keeps you from waiting until “someday."
3. Work backwards into milestones. Ask: If I want this done by my target season, what needs to be true one month before that? Then one month before that?
If you want a clear plan without the overwhelm, we created a form to guide you through it. It takes the guessing out and gives you a simple roadmap you can actually follow.
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STEP 3: PUT IT ON THE CALENDAR
Now take your first milestone (just the next one) and choose one small action for the next 7 days. Then schedule it. Pick a 20-minute block and protect it like an appointment. If it is not on the calendar, it becomes “later,” and later turns into never.
Quick example:
Home goal: Organize the pantry by March.
This week’s action: Empty one shelf and create a donate bin.
Schedule: Tuesday at 7:30 PM for 20 minutes.
CREATING A VISION BOARD
Once you have your word and your three goals, it is time to make it visual.
This does not need to be perfect or Pinterest-worthy. It just needs to feel true to you. A vision board is simply a reminder of what you are building, placed where you will actually see it.
PRO TIP: Do not make a board for the person you think you should be. Make a board for the life you actually want. Then choose one small step you will take in January that supports it.
Five Simple Steps
1. Set the vibe. Pick a time, put on music, and give yourself 45 minutes. Do it solo or invite a friend! We like to host a party with our friends
2. Start with your word. Write your Word of the Year at the top. This is the anchor for everything you add.
3. Build around your three goals. Choose images and phrases that match your three focus areas: personal, home/lifestyle, and financial. If something does not align, it does not go on the board.
4. Make it specific. Add a few “real life” visuals, not just aesthetic ones. Think: a calm entryway, a paid-off credit card, a morning routine, a family trip, a strength class schedule, a new home.
5. Place it where you will see it. Your closet, your office, your pantry door, inside a planner, or as your phone lock screen. If you do not see it, it cannot work its magic.
**You can also do this digitally using Pinterest or Canva!**
The new year does not have to feel stressful or heavy. It is a fresh start. A clean page. A chance to reset your routines, get clear on what matters, and build a year you actually enjoy living.
And if a new home ends up on your 2026 list, we would love to help you map that out, too. Whether you are thinking about upsizing, downsizing, relocating, or just curious what your options look like, we are here to be a resource and a guide.
As always, we are here for all of your real estate needs!
With Gratitude,
The SB Realty Team