Why Writing Down Your Goals Matters (And How It’s Shaping My Year)

Hi Friends!

Every January, I take time to slow down and reflect on the year ahead. I sit down with a notebook and write out my goals — the big ones, the small ones, and the quiet intentions that shape my everyday life. Some years, that means changing a habit, learning to be more present, or finding new ways to show up with purpose. Writing things down has become a grounding rhythm for me, one that brings clarity and focus as a new year begins.

Before I share my Goals for this year, I wanted to share my “why” with you first.

The Power of Writing Things Down

It’s probably no surprise that I’m a list-maker. One sentence you’ll often hear me tell my teenagers is, “You’re 20% more likely to accomplish your to-do list if you write it down.” I’m not sure they fully believe me yet, but that’s okay. I’ll keep encouraging them anyway, because science has proven that statement to be true.

That habit of writing things down naturally leads me to lists. While journaling helps me process my thoughts and dreams, lists help me turn those reflections into action. They give structure to my days and help me focus on what matters most, especially when life feels full and distracting. Whether it’s a running to-do list or a simple set of priorities for the week, having things written out keeps me grounded and moving forward (even if progress comes one small step at a time). So while lists keep me focused from day-to-day, writing out goals keeps me focused for the year.

I Don’t Always Share My Personal Goals

While I’m always excited to share what we’re planning for our home, my personal goals tend to stay a little more behind the scenes. Not because they matter less, but because this space has long been centered around design and creating a home you love. Over time, that focus has shaped what I share here, often keeping lifestyle reflections and personal growth tucked away in drafts, waiting for the “right” moment to be shared.

At the heart of it all, though, my desire has always been to encourage women. While that encouragement has often taken shape through home decor, reminding you that you can love your space no matter your budget or season of life, it’s always gone deeper than that for me. I’ve long felt called to share more lifestyle-driven posts that speak to personal growth, contentment, and encourage women to pursue their passions, chase their dreams, and find joy through every season life brings.

One of my Personal Goals for this year is to share more of these lifestyle-driven posts.

If you’ve been around here for a while, you may have come across a few of these posts already under my Dreams & Goals tab — posts like Celebrating Her Success Without Questioning Your Own, Finding Your Dream, and Writing Your Dreams Down. Those posts come straight from the heart, and they’re ones I’ve always felt especially connected to.

Set Goals for the Year Ahead

As this year continues to unfold, my hope is that you’ll give yourself the space to pause and reflect on what you want this season to look like. Your goals don’t have to be perfectly mapped out, and they don’t need to be shared with anyone else to matter. Start small. Write them down. Revisit them when you need clarity or encouragement. Even slow progress is still progress, and each step forward counts more than you may realize.

Before I share what I’m working toward this year, I’d love for you to take a moment and think about what you’re carrying into 2026. What’s something you’re praying for? Hoping to change? Wanting to grow in? Writing it down doesn’t make it final — it simply makes it intentional.

If you like this post, you may also like …

• How I Start the New Year
• We Each Have Our Own Gifts
• Finding Your Dream