Simply Irene

Hello friends, it’s Irene—and in today’s post I’m sharing my 2026 goals.

Let’s get right into it.

Goal 1: Lose 20 Pounds by My Birthday (and Do a Photo Shoot)

My first goal is to lose 20 pounds by my birthday (March 11) and fit into a beautiful blue-green dress I plan to buy for the occasion.

This isn’t really a “2026 goal” as much as it’s a by-my-birthday goal—because I also want to do a photo shoot around that time. I’m overdue. It’s been years since I’ve had updated photos, and I want to do that for myself.

Twenty pounds by March is tight, and I know it will require real consistency with both eating and movement. But even if I don’t hit exactly 20, it won’t be a failure. It just means I keep going.

My bigger health and weight goals go beyond this milestone—but this is where I’m starting.

Goal 2: Complete My 50 States Travel Goal

I’m so close to completing my travel goal of visiting all 50 U.S. states—I only have five states left.

And I’m genuinely excited because my sister is coming with me for the last stretch. We talked about travel styles and preferences, and we mesh well. Plus, she drives too, which means we can split responsibilities and make the trip more fun and less stressful.

This should’ve been finished in 2025, but 2025 was FUBAR. So we’re closing it out in 2026—on purpose.

And once the 50 states goal is complete, we’re already talking about international travel starting in 2027.

Goal 3: Upload One YouTube Video Every Week

In 2026, I’m committing to uploading at least one video every week.

That’s 52 videos.

I’d love to do two per week, but I don’t want to overpromise and burn myself out. I want something sustainable—something I can actually keep showing up for consistently.

This channel will continue to cover:

• Lifestyle and routines
• Gen X life and rebuilding
• Travel (including vlogging my last five states)
• Growth, healing, and real-life updates

Goal 4: Publish One Blog Post Every Week

I’m also committing to one blog post per week on my website.

A lot of my blog posts will expand on what I talk about on YouTube—but I’ll also write about more personal things that I don’t always feel comfortable saying on camera.

Writing lets me slow down, choose my words carefully, and share with more clarity.

So yes—some topics (including relationship insights and personal growth) will likely live more on the blog than on video.

Goal 5: Buy a Reliable Car (Without Rushing)

I want to buy a car in 2026—but I’m not rushing it.

I could buy something cheap right now, but my goal is to wait until spring so I can save more and buy something more reliable, with lower mileage, and fewer immediate issues.

Because the truth is: the last few cars I’ve had cost me thousands in repairs on top of the purchase price—and I’m done with that cycle.

I want a car I can trust, especially because I’ll need it late spring and early summer when I’ll be traveling more.

Goal 6: Watch 104 Movies in 2026 (Two Per Week)

I’ve realized I’m a little too dependent on YouTube as my default entertainment.

So I’m challenging myself to watch 104 movies in 2026—two movies per week.

There are so many classics I’ve never seen, and I want to be more culturally caught up. Even if some movies don’t sound interesting, I want to give them a real shot—because I like understanding references, context, and cultural conversations.

And who knows—I may end up loving movies I never expected to enjoy.

Goal 7: Read 12 Books This Year (One Per Month)

I used to read constantly. It was my thing. But over the last decade, most of what I’ve read has been practical—books for learning skills, not books for enjoyment.

In 2026, I’m committing to 12 books, ideally one per month.

I’m also making it easier for myself:

• No massive 650-page novels as my starting point
• Targeting manageable books (around 300–350 pages)
• Using the Brooklyn Public Library (I just got my library card!)

And to keep myself accountable, I’ll do monthly updates sharing:

• what I read
• what I watched
• quick reviews and thoughts

Goal 8: Consistent Self-Care and Home Reset Routines

This is less of a “goal” and more of a standard.

In 2026, I want to consistently take care of myself in ways that support my mind, body, and spirit.

That includes:

• Regular movement for health and energy
• Meditation, yoga, or quiet practices for mental wellness
• Personal care appointments (manicure/pedicure, etc.)
• Keeping my apartment clean and calm with a monthly reset

For me, self-care isn’t a luxury—it’s how I stay steady.

Goal 9: “Dating Myself” and Trying New Experiences

This year, I’m intentionally building a life I enjoy—whether or not I have someone to join me. That means taking myself out and doing things I’ve been wanting to do for a long time, like:

• Museums
• Dinner or movies solo
• Social events
• Pottery classes (coming this month)
• Axe throwing
• Archery
• Rock climbing
• Paint-and-sip nights
• More “yes” to experiences

I used to do things alone all the time. I just got used to having a companion. I don’t have that right now—and I’m not waiting around for someone else to live my life.

A Quick Note on Money Goals

I’m also working on finances this year, but I’m not sharing the full process yet—mainly because I’m still building the system and I want it to be real and sustainable before I talk about it publicly.

But just know: it’s on my list, and I’m taking steps.

Closing Thoughts: A Better Year Starts With Small Commitments

These goals aren’t complicated—but they’re meaningful. They’re built around consistency, growth, and enjoying my life again.

A lot of people had a hard 2025. I felt it too. So I’m walking into 2026 with intention—one week at a time.

That’s all for now. Happy New Year!

Peace out. Love you. 💛

-Irene