2026 Ins and Outs
Happy New Year!
(Skip the following few paragraphs if you only want to hear my ins and outs list)
It is officially 2026, and I am writing this first post from the Bahamas. My family took a trip here for the New Year, and although it is a tropical vacation, it is a bit colder than I expected. Granted, it is still 70 degrees during the day, but to me, that is still shorts-and-a-sweatshirt weather. Living in the South for five years has really changed my tolerance for the weather. I am sitting in one of the cafes at our resort, drinking an iced coffee, as I plan my 2026 and write this post. You would think I would take the time to rest and enjoy myself on vacation, but the truth is, I have a tough time relaxing. I have been so incredibly antsy this trip because all I want to do is go back to my apartment in Charleston and fill out my new planner — if that isn’t Type A, I don’t know what is.
While I have taken some time to enjoy this beautiful island, I have spent most of my time eager to plan and prep for the new year, including this blog. I have not felt this creatively inclined since high school, when I took art classes. I felt like I had lost my spark and been in an extreme rut the past few months. Rightfully so, as I graduated from college, moved to a new state knowing no one, started a job, my MBA program, and an internship, while feeling lonely and confused about what was to come next in my life. I spent the past three weeks at home in New Hampshire with my family, which recharged my creativity and my desire to keep growing as a person. I have not spent this much time at home since 2022, and I probably never will again.
All that said, I want to pour my time into this blog, as I am losing the writing capabilities I spent so many years building. I was fortunate enough to attend excellent schools my entire life, which forced me to write constantly for assignments—handwritten in cursive, mind you. I am challenging myself not to use any AI when I write these posts, as I want to strengthen my mind because I truly feel as if I have lost some of my critical thinking skills. I rely so heavily on AI, as most people do, but I want to change that. (Grammarly will not count towards this.) This year, I will post a blog every Friday, hoping to have 61 posts by the end of the year. On top of that, I would like to write one professional article each month about a topic of my choice, ideally the beauty industry. That means I should have 73 posts by 2027, and because I do not like odd numbers, I hope to have a couple extra posts to equal 75 total—yes, I know 75 is an odd number, but to me “5” is even, so that I can accept this. ☺️
Without further ado, let’s dive into my “Ins and Outs for 2026.”
This trend is one I've followed since seeing it on TikTok about two years ago, and it continues to grow each year. I love the idea of setting goals for what you want to bring into the new year and what you want to leave behind. I do believe it is a more tangible way to apply your goals to your daily life, so here it goes! I will offer brief explanations for some, but I have an extensive list, so I will keep it brief.
2026 Ins
Fresh Flowers
I love having fresh flowers in my space, and they typically help me keep it organized and clean. Trader Joe’s has beautiful flowers that I love arranging. Ideally, I would get a new bouquet weekly, but TJ’s flowers tend to last a long time when cared for, so I will aim to replace them once they are wilted. This still ensures I always have a fresh vase on my kitchen island.
Love my space and invest in it
Don’t get me wrong, I love my home. However, I do not think I am the strongest interior designer. I want to keep designing my space until I absolutely fall in love with it. Maybe I can find home decor pieces while out, take time to rearrange furniture, and especially declutter my space. I own a LOT of stuff I probably don't need. On a day when I have few plans, I hope to take the time to get rid of things I no longer use, regardless of how long I have had them or whether I think they might come in handy at some point. Spoiler: I usually never need it.
Project Pan
I do not love this term, because I tend to use up all my products before buying new ones, but for select things—lip glosses, some food items, occasionally shower products—I do tend to buy more than I need. I hate the idea of “running out” of a product, even though I know I can easily buy a new one once I've used it up. My goal is to stop buying bulk items to have a “backup” at home, and to keep only what I need at that moment.
Daily gratitude practice
This one is self-explanatory: I have a Five-Minute Journal that doesn't get as much use as it should. I always have a better mood on days I take a few minutes to fill out the journal, so I want to make it a habit to stick to it.
Daily time with God
Also pretty reasonable: I have a daily Bible study that I need to devote more time to doing each morning. Even 10 minutes in the morning makes all the difference in my day, and I feel so guilty for not doing it every day.
Read 24 Books
I love to read, but I wasn't the best at it this year. I will have a 2026 TBR list coming in a few weeks, so you know what I will be reading. I do have a goal of 2 books a month, which will be divided into these categories: one self-growth book and one fiction book a month
Build a consistent morning routine
For 21 years of my life — or at least as long as I can remember — I was very strict and disciplined with keeping my routines, especially my morning routine. I am most productive in the mornings, but lately I haven't been a morning person. I have no intention of continuing to slack off like that, and I desperately need to build strong morning habits. This includes not snoozing my alarm, going to the gym or at least some movement, my gratitude journal, and time with God, eating a full breakfast, taking time to get ready, and planning my day. I know that incorporating these habits makes me feel a million times better, physically and mentally, which is why I want to build a strong morning routine again.
Improve sleep hygiene
I saw this idea on Pinterest, and I enjoy the phrase “sleep hygiene.” It is not that I have “bad” sleep hygiene; it is just that I want to improve myself. This essentially becomes a “sleep routine,” in that these habits become non-negotiable and set me up for a better day. Some things I have thought about for this include having my hair in bonnet when it is dirty, switching pillowcases/sheets weekly (I do this now but I would like to change pillowcases morer often than that), wear my retainer (I did throw mine away when I graduated college because it was gross, so I need a new one and then I will wear it daily), no screens an hour or so before bed, try and drink tea. I want to brainstorm a few more ideas, but for now, those are on my list.
Weekly pilates or yoga class
I am beginning to work out daily again because it feels so good. I am fortunate to have a gym in my apartment that I will be taking advantage of, but I do want to sign up for a group fitness class once a week to get out and change my routine. I have been liking Hylo in Charleston as it is a heated pilates class with some yoga movements. I typically only strength train and do cardio in my apartment gym, so taking a Pilates or yoga class lets me change my routine a bit and keep growing as an athlete.
Have a fitness milestone to train for
I grew up as a competitive cheerleader for most of my life, while also playing other sports along the way. I was in such great shape, using muscles not typically engaged in cheering, and I want to feel that shape again. I also always trained to compete, so there was a goal in sight. Something that makes it hard to work out daily is that there is no “goal” when not in a sport. To me, the “dream body” goal isn't compelling enough because I cannot see it or count down to it. If I were training for something, such as running a race, I would be more inclined to stay active. I ran a 5K last year, and I do not need to do that again because I am not a runner, and that is okay. I would love to get some of my tumbling back because it uses muscles I typically don't train in the gym, and it is fun. I want to take time to brainstorm something I could train for to keep my gym motivation up.
Make a recipe book
Another self-explanatory one: I want to cook at home more and create a list of recipes I love and can make regularly. I am not good at throwing things together or grocery shopping for one person, so I want to curate a recipe book that can help me do those things.
Start learning a new language
I spent many years (about 7) learning Spanish in school, as it was required. I hated speaking it because I overthink and worry that I am doing it wrong, so I stopped once I no longer needed the school requirements. Now that I am a little older, I would like to pick it up again because I do remember much of it and can read some of it. I am going to Panama as a requirement for my MBA program, and that would be a great reason to start learning the language more. Ideally, I would then start learning Italian or French, since I would like to travel to Italy and France again, but we will start with what I have a base in!
Grow personal social media platforms
Another self-explanatory one: I fell off for the second half of 2025 while I adjusted to my new normal, but as I said, I am inspired again. I want to have my weekly blog posts, post more regularly on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, even if it is just for my memories. I want to create more aesthetic content to play with editing and filming as well.
Volunteer regularly/donate to charities regularly
I have done both of these things before, and I wish I were more consistent with them. Since I will be getting a full-time job this year, I will have a steady income to donate to charities and a more consistent schedule to volunteer monthly. There are so many ways to do this, and I want to be better about it.
Take a solo trip - ideally abroad
I will be turning 23 this year, finishing my last year of school (most likely forever), and getting a full-time job. I have booked one trip to NYC for my spring break, mainly to see if it is an option to live in post-grad. Ideally, I would like to take a solo trip abroad to experience a different culture. I know people grow so much when they do, and I feel like this is a year to do it, because I do not know what the future holds. I have a goal of visiting two cities or countries this year (which I technically have already completed, starting the year in the Bahamas, I have a required trip to Panama, and I have NYC booked). Let’s see if I can book another trip to a new city. 🤞
Scrapbook regularly
I made a scrapbook of my entire 2024 year, and I love it. I fell off in 2025 and need to get back on it for 2026. I need to set a day each month to do the spreads, so I remember what I did and have less to do at the end of the year. This also forces me to make sure I take pictures, because I have been terrible at that. I kid you not, I have maybe 20 pictures from August to December 2025. That needs to change this year.
Commit to random acts of kindness -
This ties into the volunteering/charities, as doing nice things for others makes me feel good. I want to do like two a week, and it can be as small as complimenting a stranger or as big as paying for the person behind me at a drive-through.
Complete space declutter
I talked about this in the loving my space bit, so we will skip, but you get it!
Weekly self-care
I am terrible at taking time for myself and relaxing. I mean, I am sitting in the Bahamas writing this because I cannot let myself relax. That needs to change. I will gradually increase the time I set aside for this self-care, as I am not good at it now, and hope to devote an entire day to it by the end of the year.
Limit sugar - more whole foods
Diet is always a big New Year’s resolution, and I am hopping on it. I have never succeeded, but I really want this year to be different. I have struggled with many digestive/stomach issues for about 5 years now, and I want to try healing them with food, as I hear great things about that. I won’t fully restrict myself, but limiting sugars and incorporating more whole foods will only improve how I feel. I am still seeing doctors to figure things out, but something I can control is what I am putting into my body.
Start fun new personal projects that can be used on my website
I haven't posted many projects on my website since being at SCAD, so I plan to spend more time on personal projects this year. I am not sure what it will entail yet, but I want to take the time to continue growing my design and strategy abilities. It could be rebranding myself or even brainstorming a rebrand for existing brands. Finding ways to strengthen my career skills outside my job will help me avoid burning out.
Learn how to blowout hair
Really random, but I have extremely fine and soft hair. This is a good thing for the most part, but I would love to figure out how to blow-dry my hair to give it some volume, so it doesn't stick straight and flat on my head.
Analog basket
This is probably one of my favorite things on this list. I saw a TikTok of someone sharing this, and I immediately wrote it down. An analog basket is simply a basket or bin of things to do instead of being on screens. I am so guilty of spending hours on my phone or laptop, so I want to have options for things to do besides scrolling. Some things/hobbies I want to include in mine are: linocut carving, sewing, scrapbooking, clay, pottery, painting, coloring, Cray-Pas, knitting (blankets), baking, Rainbow Loom, and diamond painting.
Hosting
I have had no one over my apartment in Charleston besides my parents when they came to visit. I love hosting, and I have a good-sized apartment, so I want to be better about doing it every so often. It is also a good way to save some money and have cozy nights in with friends now and then.
Daily outdoor time
I live in Charleston. Why do I not spend time outside every day? The weather is a million times better than being home in NH, so I can suck it up and go outside, even if it is a bit chilly. Small things like a 15-minute walk or just sitting outside to breathe in some fresh air are so important, and I need to do them every day.
Certificates monthly - LinkedIn Learning, HubSpot, etc
This is a professional goal: to continue growing my resume and knowledge. I have free access to LinkedIn Learning as a student, so I want to take as many courses as I can. Many employers value certifications and credentials beyond degrees; they take only a few hours to complete.
Money
Last but not least is the money side of things. I have a lot more personal goals for this, but a few I want to do are: build a strong emergency fund, save for retirement/invest, stick to a budget, get coffee out only 1x a week, and wait 30 days before buying anything I want. I would like to challenge myself to a no-buy year, but I cannot just do it; I need to have small things to limit to start, and work my way up to that once I have a strong budgeting system
2026 Outs
Saying “like,” “okay,” “um.”
I am very guilty of this, and I need to take a second to gather my thoughts instead of rushing to use one of these filler words. I want to grow my vocabulary and speak more eloquently, but to do so, I want to be mindful of my use of fillers.
Over sharing
I have a habit of oversharing, specifically on social media. I am not alone; we all do it, but I want to be more mindful of what and how much I share. I hate seeing someone in person and saying, “How’s x, y, and z?” only to hear the same thing back, because we see everything on social media. I miss being able to ask people what they are up to and how they are doing without knowing the answer. I do not want to stop sharing on social media, but I do want to monitor it.
Scrolling in the morning and all day long - Steps Unlock App
I saw a TikTok about an app that requires a certain number of steps before your social media apps unlock for the day, so it forces you to get up instead of lying in bed and scrolling. I am so guilty of scrolling for hours and hours. I would love to break that habit, and I think this app will help.
Hoarding things - especially food
I don't really know how to grocery shop, so I tend to overbuy, and it sits in my cabinets. I eventually use it, but I don't know how to properly grocery shop, so I don't have any extra stuff. That is a goal to fix this year, and the same goes for excess cleaning supplies, clutter, makeup, etc. I want to declutter.
Not texting people to do stuff (not close friends)
I am very good about asking close friends to hang out, but not so much newer friends, people I am not super close with yet. I need to be better about not being afraid to do this, because 99% of the time, they want to hang out.
Staying at home all day, every day
If I don’t have plans, I am guilty of staying home. I need to get up and get out, even if I have nothing to do. I thrive on staying buys and when I sit at home all day, I go crazy and scroll endlessly. I also have a habit of saying “no” to things because I may not be close with those people, or I just am unsure of the situation. I need to be more adventurous, try more things, and say “no” less often.
Lounge sets right when I get home
My home = comfy space. That is, for the most part, good, until I get home from class at 12:15 pm and put on a lounge set for the rest of the day. When you look good, you feel good, and staying in my business-casual attire helps me be more productive, which I need most days.
Constantly spending money
I am so guilty of buying something because I want it or think I need it in the near future. I need to slow down and evaluate my purchase, even when it comes to eating out. Do I really need this, or do I want it in this moment? I have gotten much better at this, but I want to keep it up this year.
Phone games
I love to play games on my phone. I am like an iPad kid, and I need to fix that. I plan to limit my phone game time significantly by switching to hobbies in my analog basket, which is better for my screen time and mental health.
Lack of discipline for myself and routines/habits
This one I talked about in my “ins” as well. I have fallen off with my self-discipline, and I fully intend to change that this year. Motivation comes and goes, but you need to have discipline no matter what. I want to make sure I stick to my routines and habits, no matter how I feel that day.
Not using my iPad
I have had my iPad since 2020, and I have used it less and less over the years. I use physical notebooks for school and a physical planner, so I don't have much use for it anymore, aside from watching YouTube. I want to find some ways to use it more this year.
Constant texting - call or FT instead
I wish I were better about calling and FaceTiming friends or family, because I tend to think I need to schedule a time to call or FaceTime. If I am texting someone a long-ish text, why can’t I pick up the phone and call them? I hope to do that more this year, especially since I don’t live near any of my college friends anymore.
Daily soda/fun drinks
I love a daily coffee and have to drink electrolytes every day, but I need to cut out some of the fun drinks, like sodas. There is so much extra sugar and terrible ingredients that I want to limit.
Staying up late
I have been bad about this for the last few weeks. I do believe having a strong morning routine that I look forward to each day will help me wind down and go to bed earlier.
Negative self-talk/thoughts
I want to improve my internal dialogue as I can be very hard on myself. I do think positively of myself, but I can also be hard on myself when I don’t need to be. I hope to improve this little by little each day!
Concerts
Lastly, a really random one, but concerts. I genuinely do not like concerts. I get migraines, so they are very loud, and I do not like being around that many people. I’d prefer to listen to music in my car!
Well, there you have it. My 2026 Ins and Outs list with a little bit of my blog intentions for this year. I just spent about two hours writing it, so I hope it is a good start to the year. Time to go sit out at the pool and enjoy the rest of my vacation before heading back to school!