Countdown to a New Year: My Reflections & Goals for 2026
2025 taught me a lot—about consistency, adaptability, and gratitude.
2025 has been a year of growth, challenges, and big changes. As we head into the new year, I’ve been thinking about what I want to carry forward, and what I want to leave behind. Here are three lessons that really stood out to me this year:
1. Consistency Beats Intensity
For me, being consistent with my eating habits has really paid off. I’ve always been a healthy eater, but in college I didn’t cook most of my meals. That led to late-night fast food runs I’d regret later. This year, I’ve focused on cooking the majority of my meals and staying consistent with healthy eating, and the difference has been huge.
My back pain has improved, I’m less inflamed, and my body feels better overall. That’s allowed me to train harder and keep a clearer head. Now, when I do eat fast food, I can instantly feel the difference. It’s a reminder to stick to my nutritional goals. Eating healthy and cooking for myself has even helped me feel better on the court.
1. Consistency Beats Intensity
For me, being consistent with my eating habits has really paid off. I’ve always been a healthy eater, but in college I didn’t cook most of my meals. That led to late-night fast food runs I’d regret later. This year, I’ve focused on cooking the majority of my meals and staying consistent with healthy eating, and the difference has been huge.
My back pain has improved, I’m less inflamed, and my body feels better overall. That’s allowed me to train harder and keep a clearer head. Now, when I do eat fast food, I can instantly feel the difference. It’s a reminder to stick to my nutritional goals. Eating healthy and cooking for myself has even helped me feel better on the court.
2. Adaptability Is Strength
The biggest change I’ve had to make in 2025 is adjusting to the European lifestyle. Living overseas has been an incredible experience; I’ve wanted to come back ever since visiting a couple of years ago. But it’s also meant not seeing my family and friends in person, only on FaceTime.
The holidays make that especially tough. I’m thankful my mom and sister were here for Christmas, but it won’t be the same as gathering at my grandma’s house for her homemade quiche and cinnamon rolls. I definitely missed that this year. Still, I’ve loved the change in scenery and learned a lot about myself in the process.
3. Gratitude Changes Perspective
One thing I’m truly grateful for this year is relationships. It’s easy to get caught up in personal goals and problems and lose sight of the people around us. We take being near friends and family for granted until we’re far away.
The relationships I’ve built over the past four years mean everything to me. They’ve shaped who I am and put me in the position I’m blessed to be in today. I hope everyone takes time this year to acknowledge the people who matter most because you never know what may happen.
My Goals for 2026
The biggest change I’ve had to make in 2025 is adjusting to the European lifestyle. Living overseas has been an incredible experience; I’ve wanted to come back ever since visiting a couple of years ago. But it’s also meant not seeing my family and friends in person, only on FaceTime.
The holidays make that especially tough. I’m thankful my mom and sister were here for Christmas, but it won’t be the same as gathering at my grandma’s house for her homemade quiche and cinnamon rolls. I definitely missed that this year. Still, I’ve loved the change in scenery and learned a lot about myself in the process.
3. Gratitude Changes Perspective
One thing I’m truly grateful for this year is relationships. It’s easy to get caught up in personal goals and problems and lose sight of the people around us. We take being near friends and family for granted until we’re far away.
The relationships I’ve built over the past four years mean everything to me. They’ve shaped who I am and put me in the position I’m blessed to be in today. I hope everyone takes time this year to acknowledge the people who matter most because you never know what may happen.
My Goals for 2026
✅ Stay consistent with cooking good meals to help me perform at my best.
✅ Strengthen my connection with God.
✅ Try something completely new: I want to jump out of a plane.
Now it’s your turn: What’s one thing you’re leaving behind in 2025? Drop it in the comments—I’d love to hear your thoughts.
