I’ve been doing this process with a few additions, since 2011. Starting in 2025, I added some AI tools, which were a fun and interesting addition. I hope you enjoy this process! I LOVE planning and scheming and dreaming- I love analyzing, adjusting and understanding personalities and habits- I love reflecting over the past years and planning for the next (and forcing my family to do it with me) A few times a year I like to check in that I'm living my life aligned with my values and to refocus on what is important to me. Here are my favorite tools/printables- maybe you'll enjoy them too! I keep past year's sheets (see below) so we can look back and read years past too, fun.
Using AI:
The prompt I used is from Kate Weids: Simply copy and past this into ChatGPT:
I want to intentionally design my 2026. Act as a reflective life and goal coach. Ask me 6 powerful questions, one at a time, to help me reflect on 2025 and get clear on what I want from 2026. After the final question, create based only on my answers:
My 2026 Vision Summary
My 2026 Identity Statement
A short dream 2026 story
My top 5 focus areas -one clear goal for each
The 3 habits that matter the most
A simple 30 day action plan
Keep it practical, personal and motivating. No cliches, no generic advice.
Printables for reflecting and remembering 2025 & planning for 2026:
https://www.thirtyhandmadedays.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/yearinreview2025.pdf
https://www.skiptomylou.org/2015-year-in-review-printable/
Guidance and help getting introspective:
I loved James Clear’s Atomic Habits book- and his philosophy about trying to be just 1% better and his focus on habit change happens when we create systems that make it easy… this is a GREAT article on goal setting: (also if you don’t get his email newletter, sign up! Its the only one I ACTUALLY read!)
Gretchen Rubin has infinite sources and wisdom on how to live a happier life and she has some different ways to look at New Years Resolutions- like choosing a one word theme or identifying the important categories to a happy life (the Vital 9) and starting goals within those categories- (I employ categories for mine that align with my values) and suggests even assigning each category to a month to focus in - or make a 25 for 2025 list, and use your tendency to help yourself stick to it all. Anyway, read all her books, listen to all her podcast episodes or just read/print these:
Reflection & looking ahead:
Happy Life 2026
Happy Life
It all begins with an idea.
I LOVE planning and scheming and dreaming- I love analyzing, adjusting and understanding personalities and habits- I love reflecting over the past years and planning for the next (and forcing my family to do it with me) A few times a year I like to check in that I'm living my life aligned with my values and to refocus on what is important to me. Here are my favorite tools/printables- maybe you'll enjoy them too! I keep past year's sheets (see below) so we can look back and read years past too, fun.
This year, I’m turning my 25 for 25 list into a bingo card format. I made this one in Canva, you are welcome to use and fill in for yourself!
Coloring sheet printables for kids and kids at heart: (updated even though some links seem old)
I loved James Clear’s Atomic Habits book- and his philosophy about trying to be just 1% better and his focus on habit change happens when we create systems that make it easy… this is a GREAT article on goal setting: (also if you don’t get his email newletter, sign up! Its the only one I ACTUALLY read!)
Gretchen Rubin has infinite sources and wisdom on how to live a happier life and she has some different ways to look at New Years Resolutions- like choosing a one word theme or identifying the important categories to a happy life (the Vital 9) and starting goals within those categories- (I employ categories for mine that align with my values) and suggests even assigning each category to a month to focus in - or make a 25 for 2025 list, and use your tendency to help yourself stick to it all. Anyway, read all her books, listen to all her podcast episodes or just read/print these:
Reflection & looking ahead: