On our evening walk today, we found ourselves talking about goal setting and what we want to achieve in the coming year. The sun was just dipping behind the trees, the air was cool and fresh, and every little sound — the leaves rustling, the distant chatter of birds — felt like it was nudging us to reflect. I thought, why not write this down in my diary so it doesn’t just float away with the breeze?
We started with something simple but important: understanding ourselves. You see, setting goals isn’t really about making a checklist; it’s about knowing what truly matters to us. It reminded me of a story I recently read about Emma, a young woman who discovered that writing wasn’t just a hobby — it was a way for her to connect with the world and leave a mark. How inspiring! It made me think: what if our goals could be more about purpose than just achievement?
1: Reflect on values and priorities
During our walk, we asked ourselves: “What really matters?” For Emma, it was creativity, storytelling, and sharing her imagination. For us, it could be spending time with loved ones, exploring new hobbies, or taking care of our well-being. If you pause and reflect on your own values, everything else seems to fall into place a little easier.
2: Define a clear vision
Emma dreamt vividly — she pictured herself finishing her first book, sharing her stories, and inspiring others. As we walked, we talked about our own vision: where we’d like to be by the end of the year, and how small daily steps could lead us there. Even imagining it vividly felt motivating!
If you ever need a little daily motivation, check out our Quote of the Day. A small nudge can sometimes make all the difference!
3: Set SMART goals
We laughed a bit at how many times we set vague goals and forgot about them. Emma’s trick was breaking her big dream into smaller tasks — writing 1,000 words a day, submitting short stories, connecting with literary communities. Making goals SMART — Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound — helps us actually see progress instead of feeling stuck.
4: Create an action plan
Emma planned her days carefully, balancing writing, refining, and research. On our walk, we talked about how planning doesn’t have to be rigid, but having a small structure can really help. Even a rough plan — “today I’ll try X, tomorrow I’ll focus on Y” — is better than doing nothing at all.
5: Seek support and stay adaptive
There were moments when Emma struggled, and we’ve all had those days too — when the motivation just isn’t there. What helped her was connecting with others, staying flexible, and adjusting when needed. Sharing your goals with supportive friends or family can make a huge difference — it’s like having someone cheer you on while you walk your own path.
So here’s the takeaway from our walk today:
- Reflect on what matters to you
- Picture your vision clearly
- Set SMART goals
- Plan small steps
- Ask for support and stay flexible
Bonus tip: Consistency is key. Even tiny steps, repeated day after day, lead somewhere meaningful. Life isn’t a race — it’s a gentle journey, and every little action counts.
Once we returned home, it was time for one of the best parts of the day: a cozy, home-cooked meal. Tonight, we enjoyed White Kurma — warm, comforting, and the perfect way to end a reflective day.
What about you? As you go about your evening walk, or even just take a few quiet moments, think about your goals. Which step are you on in your goal setting 2026 journey? Write it down, take small actions, and remember — each step is progress, and that’s something to celebrate. 🥳
🎥 If you’d like, you can also watch the short video version of this story here: Goal Settings– Walk and Talk Diaries
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