The author playing live music with big text "core goals: for the serious ones"

It’s the new year again. But this time is different, isn’t it. This time, we’re gonna get after the things we know we’re truly meant for. This year is a turning point.

This is a shortlist of core new year’s goals ideas. These are the things that move needles and make a big splash. It’s what I’m focusing on this year.

Put another way, this isn’t a list of 100+ ideas, full of small random goals that are just there to take up space and make the number in the title bigger.

This list is for the adventurous, creative and driven.

So let’s get to it.

Solo Travel / See New Places

I love travel. You are currently on a mostly travel blog, after all. But I’ve fallen into a “bad” habit of visiting the same places (mostly Japan).

So travel goals help me commit to new experiences.

I’ll still go to Japan, it’s my home base. But I plan on sprinkling in new places too. Specifically, I want to visit more of Asia this year.

Thailand, Veitnam, Taiwan, Philippines…these places have been on my list for a while. It’s time I go see them.

Solo traveling is the ultimate experience. It’s a masterclass in self development and confidence. If you’re keen to add adventure to your 2026 goals, then join me this year.

And check out my free course on how to become a nomad if you’re super serious about this.

Explore more:
➤ How to Travel More

Grow Your Personal Brand

I can’t think of anything smarter than building out your personal brand this year. It’s a future-proof asset and high leverage. Having a personal brand unlocks income paths, creative fulfillment, business opportunities and new career options (like it or not, your online footprint is a resume).

It’s also a path to total freedom and autonomy——being able to work on what you want when you want and where you want.

Whether you’ve started your personal brand yet or not, 2026 is the year to go all in on it.

I have a full post on personal branding for creatives if you want to learn about my approach to branding (and check out my other blog project Stuudios).

Create Another Income Stream

If you haven’t yet, create a new income stream this year. Even if it’s just an extra $100/month, it’s a new skill and exciting starting point to scale or expand on later on.

You can start with a random weekend side gig or a passion project side quest you can tinker on during evenings and weekends.

But I would say choose with passions or something based on personal goals and values. Have a long-term mindset too——think about how you can expand your project later into something more serious.

I love the idea of having full control over my finances and day-to-day life. Ultimate freedom.

I’m not anti-job though. For some people, it’s ideal. I just think we’re at a point where we can choose those jobs based on personal fulfillment, not necessity.

It might take some time to make the transition, but with the internet, passion-led work is realistic for everyone.

Face Your Fear

Fears be dammed. So let’s face them.

At the end of 2025, I finally faced one of my biggest creative fears: playing live music.

I’d avoided this for 20 years. I was petrified. But deep down, I knew that I needed to do it. Sometimes, the things we’re most afraid of are the most important things we should be doing (if they’re important to you, that is).

And music is super important to me. But my fear of playing live held me back. But now that it’s done, I feel liberated and confident, and ready for whatever’s next.

Throw me back on stage and let’s do this! Because it wasn’t nearly as painful as I thought it would be.

So what’s your fear?

Is there anything you’ve always wanted to do but held back out of fear or embarrassment?

Take baby steps and working on it.

You can read about my experience and takeaways with overcoming stage fright here.

Take Your Passion(s) Seriously

“It’s JUST a hobby.”

I hate that phrasing.

I mean come on, we’re in the midst of the passion economy (and the gig economy and the creator economy too). So turning your passions into purpose and profit isn’t exactly new information.

It’s so doable, if you get clear, have consistency and pull the right levers for long enough.

This is a note to myself——but also a permission slip for anyone who feel guilty for prioritizing their passions or are sick of putting them on the back burner.

Let’s make this year different. Let’s get after the things we truly want. The stuff that really makes us feel fulfilled and alive.

Do the art gallery. Have the local show. Write the book. Release your music. Share your art.

It’s important.

Overcome Self-doubt

I always struggled with imposter syndrome and self doubt. Confidence has been my mountain to climb the past few years.

And I’ve come a long way. I’ve embraced my quirks, chased some dreams and owned my mistakes.

Overcoming self doubt doesn’t mean somehow deleting it forever or ignoring. It means recognizing it but showing up and pursuing something you want regardless of it being there.

It’s the same with bravery. It’s not the absence of fear that’s bravery…it’s doing the scary thing anyways in the presence of it.

So start by finding when you feel low confidence. Think about why.

Work towards building more confidence and practice things like self love.

This is important.

Break a Bad Habit / Build a New One

I recently wrote a post on life-changing habits for lasting happiness. And it reminded me about the importance of building helpful routines and habits.

But I don’t try to be perfect and I avoid all-or-nothing thinking too. Instead, I focus on small improvements over time and little changes over big ones.

So, are there any annoying bad habits you want to break? How about new ones you with you could stick to?

Start taking baby steps towards them. Show up everyday and focus——1% better everyday compounds over the course of year.

Alright, that’s all I’ve got for you here. What other goals are you working on this year?

Later ✌️

Want More? Nice. Here’s More.

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