My 2026 SMART Goals: Building Toward a Stronger, More Capable Year

You know, there’s something really amazing about setting goals that are specific, measurable, and have a timeline attached to them. This year, I’m all about diving into targets that not only challenge me but also get me pumped up and give me a clear path for growth. My goals this year cover everything from conditioning and skill development to personal discipline.

Here’s What I’m Aiming For:

1. Chasing a Sub‑7 2,000m Row by January 31st

The first big milestone on my calendar is the Beat the Beast indoor rowing race! I’ve got my sights set on a time that’s been on my radar for ages: 6:59 for the 2,000m. With my current fitness level and pacing strategy, I think it’s totally doable, but it’s going to take some serious focus. This goal is specific, measurable, and very much time-bound, which means every interval session, warm-up, and recovery day counts. It’s a great way to kick off the year and set the tone for everything else to come!

2. Running Toward a 26:00 5K by April 1st

Running has become a bigger part of my conditioning over the last year, and I’m excited to work on shaving my 5K time down to 26 minutes. Right now, I’m sitting at about 28:30, so this feels like a realistic yet motivating challenge. The game plan? Just keep up with consistent weekly mileage, throw in some structured interval sessions, and sprinkle in a few benchmark efforts along the way. April 1st is my target date, and I can’t wait to see how this process helps me reach my bigger aerobic goals!

3. Breaking 52 Minutes in the 10K by the End of April

Right after tackling the 5K, I’ll be setting my sights on its longer counterpart: a 52-minute 10K. My personal best is currently 54:55, so this is definitely a challenge I’m ready to take on. The training for this goal fits perfectly with my 5K prep, mixing in threshold runs, longer aerobic sessions, and working on pacing. By the end of April, I want to feel not just faster but also more efficient and confident over longer distances.

4. Fifteen Minutes of Hand Balance Practice Every Day

Not every goal this year is about speed or power! One of the most exciting commitments I’m making is to practice at least 15 minutes of hand balancing every day. This doesn’t mean I have to nail a perfect handstand every time; it can be any hand balance work that helps me build strength, control, and body awareness. To keep myself accountable and document my journey, I’ll be sharing a short clip on Instagram daily. It’s all about discipline, creativity, and skill development, and I can’t wait to see how much progress I can make over the year!

Looking Ahead

Each of these goals is pushing me in different ways, some physically, some mentally, and some creatively. Together, they create a structure that keeps me honest, motivated, and always improving.

I’m not after perfection; I’m all about progress, consistency, and the joy of discovering what’s possible when I fully commit!

If you’re reading this and feeling inspired to set your own goals, I’d love to hear about them! What are you working toward this year? Is there a skill, distance, or habit you want to build? Drop a comment below!