Another year is almost over, and soon you’ll see numerous articles in your social feeds, discussions on podcasts, and segments on television programs about resolutions for the upcoming year.
Personally, I don't like resolutions. Who keeps them?? Everyone wants to lose weight, get fit, save money, whatever. By January 15, those resolutions are abandoned.
So, did I accomplish what I said I would do in 2025? Yes! My only goal was to finish what became A Fortune to Claim. The book was released in May 2025. Wahoo!
It’s time to make new goals for the coming year. Things I want to do. BUT – if I don’t do them, it will be ok. No pressure.
Let me share my goals for 2026:
1: Survive Another Year
This past year has been quite a challenge! With soaring prices on everything, chaotic politics, endless conflicts, and more, it’s been tough. If I can make it to the end of 2026 relatively unscathed, I’ll consider myself lucky.
Make no mistake - it’s a challenge. I cannot control external things like the economy or increased prices. All I can do is adjust my attitude. The whole situation stresses me out.
While I cannot bury my head in the sand, I can continue doing what I have already tried – cutting costs where I could, watching for genuine deals, and, most importantly, stop listening to so-called pundits who don’t really know anything. Their narratives increase my anxiety. I control it by switching off the TV or putting aside my phone or iPad. Spending time with my dog, working on the next book, or going for a walk are all free things that are better for my brain.
2: Abandon Several Side Hustles
Once upon a time, side hustles were a great way to earn some extra cash, but those days seem to have faded. People simply don’t have spare cash to spend on certain things like they once did.
You might be thinking: “But, wait! You haven't tried the XYZ Program for MASSIVE Success! You just need to work harder, and you’ll be RICH!”
Like most people, I DO work hard. Commitment has nothing to do with it.
Here’s a little secret: the only people making big money from side hustles are those who claim to show you how to make money from side hustles.
I recently read an excellent opinion piece by Joe Procopio in Inc. He rightly points out that side hustles often aren't profitable. To make real money, you need to treat your side hustle like a business. (At the end of the article, he asks you to follow him; see, treating it like a business.)
With that in mind, I plan to drop several side hustles and concentrate on my writing business instead. It’s a waste of time and energy to focus on anything else.
Plus, going back to #1, it produces a lot of anxiety when these ventures fail. Who needs that??
3: Release TTMR #7 in Spring 2026
If you’ve been following this blog or my Facebook page, you know I’m working on the seventh book in the “Through the Mist” series. I genuinely believe it's the best one yet, and I’m aiming for a spring release. Stay tuned!
This brings me to my next goal….
4: Get Serious About Marketing
Marketing is a significant pain point for many writers like me who are struggling to get noticed. I’ve missed a few opportunities because of my focus on side hustles. I have some great strategies I could leverage with this website, as well as some business-related tasks that are too dull to explain in detail.
It is long past time to do all of this stuff. I must get to work – no more excuses!
You’ve probably noticed these goals are all positive. That was intentional.
Lots of people in the world want you to feel bad about yourself. Why add your voice to the chorus? Heck, whole industries thrive on your belief that their product, program, drug, whatever, are the key to your happiness. Don’t listen to them!
Create your own list. Make a goal, not a resolution that you’re likely to abandon in January. Let’s achieve these goals together!