As I welcome the beginning of 2026, I’m not interested in resolutions that fade by February or vision boards that end up tucked away in the back of my closet. I am choosing something different—something that lives and breathes with me.
If you’ve read last week’s blog on the “Becoming List,” you already know this isn’t about pressure or perfection. It’s about choosing growth over stagnation, progress over idleness, and intention over hustle. Growth doesn’t happen all at once. It unfolds quietly and often in ways we don’t notice until we look back.
My list includes becoming a person who is organized and intentional in my space. A friend who is deeply supportive and truly present. A person who feels financially stable and secure. A person who honors her body and becomes the healthiest version of herself. Most of all, I am becoming someone who is always growing and learning–curious, open, and willing to evolve.
To support that becoming, I created what I call the 26 Steps to Growth in 2026 — a list of 26 small, meaningful actions and practices that align with who I want to become. Not goals to chase, but foundations to return to. Gentle anchors that keep me aligned throughout the year. This isn’t about doing more. It’s about becoming more — one intentional step at a time.
Here is my list. Please keep in mind this is my list built from my “becoming letter” to myself. Your list may not have all 26 items right away or ever. That is what is beautiful about growth, it is your journey at your pace.
- Reset my living space for a set time each day. A quick pick up.
- Everything has a place and there is a place for everything.
- Declutter one spot at a time.
- Plan my week every Sunday with intention.
- Complete small tasks fully before starting the next task.
- Check in on friends intentionally, not just when convenient.
- Listen to understand, not to fix.
- Communicate honestly and kindly.
- Celebrate my friends and loved ones.
- Make the phone calls, send the texts.
- Track my money with dedication.
- Build that emergency fund.
- Spend with thought and not emotion.
- Learn 1 financial skill each quarter.
- Create 1 additional income stream aligned with my goals.
- Move that body.
- Eat to nourish my body.
- Rest is important. Listen to your body.
- Spend time in nature. It heals you.
- Reflect through journaling.
- Learn, grow, and study.
It is a working list. I haven’t got all 26 and I’m ok with that. It will grow and change as I do.
Here’s to gentle growth,
Denni
Reflection question:
What is one small step you could take this year to support who you’re becoming?