Day at Home #4: Slowing Down, Setting Intentions, and Dreaming Big
There’s something about the quiet reset that comes after the holidays—the kind that makes you pause and ask, okay, what’s next?
Goal setting has really become a key focus of my life these last 10 years. I don’t just mean making a to-do list or writing a few intentions on a sticky note. I mean a ritual of real reflection, journaling, and dreaming—both for the short term and the long game. Each year, I carve out time to take inventory of life: what worked, what didn’t, what stretched me, and what surprised me. I think being your own witness—truly seeing the seasons of struggle and celebration—is one of the most grounding things you can do.
My process is equal parts manifesting, accountability, and a whole lot of dedication to the follow-through. Over the years, I’ve built a ritual that helps me turn big ideas into real goals. I break mine down into 10-year, three-year, and one-year visions, which sounds ambitious—but has been incredibly eye-opening to look back on.
This year, flipping through my old Elegant Excellence Journals from 2020 and 2021 honestly stopped me in my tracks. So many of the dreams that once felt far away have now unfolded in real life. At the time, I wrote that I wanted to own a business built around people and events—and somehow, that vision evolved into a career I love in real estate and planning our own wedding. I even had “get engaged in 2024” written down, though I never actually told Emory that (manifestation works, apparently).
Ready to Set (and Actually Keep) Your Goals?
If you’ve been feeling stuck or struggled to stick to goal-setting rituals, I recently found a resource I can’t recommend enough. Mel Robbins’ podcast episode How to Make 2026 the Best Year: 6 Questions to Ask Yourself which perfectly aligns with how I approach my own process. Her team even created a free downloadable workbook that walks you through each step.
This year, instead of doing my usual solo goal-planning deep dive, Emory and I made it a shared experience. We listened to Mel’s episode together and paused between questions to each write down our answers. Then, we shared our goals and talked through how we can show up for one another this year. It turned into one of the most powerful, connecting nights we’ve had in a while. If you’ve got a partner or even a friend who loves this kind of reflection, I highly recommend doing it together. Accountability (and a sounding board!) makes all the difference.
Moving Forward in 2026
2025 was big. Beautiful. Bold. The kind of year that shook things up and set a new foundation. They say 2026 is the year of the horse, but I’ve been joking that mine got mixed up—because this feels more like my snake year: quieter, steadier, focused on shedding old skins and embracing change.
This year, I’m not chasing as much as I’m settling in. My goals feel rooted in simple things—build habits that last, lean into routines that keep me grounded, and stay fully present wherever I am. Less noise, more meaning.
My Go-To Tools for Tracking & Achieving Goals
Here are a few resources helping me stay organized, motivated, and mindful as I work toward my goals this year:
ClickUp: Hands down, the best all-in-one project management tool I’ve found (and I’ve tried many). It keeps all my real estate tasks, content ideas, and personal to-dos in one place—plus the AI features are shockingly good. Start with the free version—it’s more than enough! Get 10% off a paid plan.
Strides: I just started using this app to track small habits I’m trying to build—like making the bed, prepping for the gym the night before, etc. It’s simple, visual, and easy to stick to. My favorite part: you can share progress with someone else for built-in accountability.
FitBod: I’ve been using it for over four years now, and it’s hands-down my favorite workout app. It’s great for any fitness level and makes it easy to build or track consistent routines. One of my favorite features is the ability to create custom “gyms” based on what equipment you have access to. You can also log your reps and weights, track your progress, and even instantly create a workout program. It’s $79.99 for a year, but for the level of personalization and data it gives you, it’s completely worth it. It’s taken the guesswork out of working out and helped me stay consistent no matter where life takes me. 14-Day Guest Pass Trial.
Paired: This relationship app is such a fun and intentional way to stay connected as a couple. Each day, you both answer questions or play conversation games, and you can’t see each other’s responses until you’ve both participated. It’s sparked so many great talks for us—we’re keeping it going this year. $39.99/couple for the year.
Headway: My newest experiment. It’s a micro-learning app that turns books and studies into short, digestible summaries—and I have to say, I’m intrigued. As someone who works in marketing and content, social media is just part of my world. Lately, I’ve been trying to make that time more intentional. Instead of mindlessly scrolling, I’ve started using Headway when I want something quick and inspiring. It’s filled with bite-sized lessons on everything from psychology to creativity to business—perfect when you need a little spark of inspiration but don’t have time for a full podcast or book. We will see if this one sticks around after the free trial is up.
Must Read, Watch, Listen
📚 READ: The Intruder by Freida McFadden
Book club pick of the month—and the first physical book I’ve picked up in forever! Freida McFadden hasn’t missed yet (her Housemaid series I recommended previously turned into a movie this year! 10/10 still recommend both). I’m only a few chapters in, but she had me hooked immediately. If you’re into fast-paced psychological thrillers, this one’s for you.📺 WATCH: Pluribus on Apple TV
Vince Gilligan (the genius behind Breaking Bad) is back—and this show is wild in the best possible way. Pluribus is slow, strange, and beautifully shot, with a story that unfolds in such a deliberate, thought-provoking way that you can’t look away. It’s definitely not for everyone, but if you liked Severance, you’ll love this. It’s the kind of series that lingers with you long after the episode. And yes, I’m already impatient for season two—even though season one just ended.🎧 LISTEN: The Mel Robbins Podcast
Recommitted to listening regularly this year, and I’m glad I did. Mel’s no-BS approach to motivation feels refreshingly doable. I always leave each episode with something to apply immediately—whether it’s a new way to frame goals or a reminder to give myself a little grace.
Parting Note…
This new year, I’m chasing balance between the hustle and living more intentionally. I want to live slower, think deeper, and act with clarity.
If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure where to start—just start small. Reflect, write it down, and share it with someone who believes in you. The magic isn’t in the goal—it’s in the commitment to keep showing up for it.
Here’s to rebuilding routines, dreaming boldly, and giving ourselves permission to enjoy the process along the way.