Once again, I’m setting personal targets for the new year. Just like last year, I’ve divided my goals into four categories: financial, fitness & wellness, personal development, and family.
Many of these goals may look familiar—and that’s intentional. I like building on habits I’ve already formed rather than reinventing everything each year.
Financial Goals 💸
Goal #1: Invest at least €6500
In 2025, I invested €5,650 throughout the year. For 2026, I’m aiming to increase that amount by roughly 15%.
To stay on track, this means investing around €550 per month on average.
Goal #2: Earn €750 in passive income
Last year, my portfolio generated €585 in passive income. This year, I’m raising the target to €750.
I’m not trying to maximize passive income at all costs, as I’m considering adding some growth companies that don’t pay dividends. The goal is to make my portfolio more diversified and versatile, not just dividend-focused.
Goal #3: Contribute €1200 to my daughter’s fund
This is a simple and structured goal: invest €100 per month into the fund I use for my daughter’s long-term savings.
Goal #4: Build a €4,000 emergency fund
I’m slightly embarrassed to admit this, but I don’t currently have a dedicated emergency fund. My excuse has always been that I could sell investments if something unexpected happened.
In 2026, I want to properly implement one of the basic rules of personal finance and build an emergency fund. My goal is to reach €4,000 by the end of the year and continue growing it from there.
Fitness & Wellness Goals 🏃♂️🚴♂️
Goal #5: Run at least 1,300 km
I ran roughly the same distance in 2025, so this goal is about maintaining consistency rather than pushing harder.
Goal #6: Cycle at least 5,000 km
Cycling improved significantly last year, and all that time on the Wattbike is clearly paying off. I’m raising the target to 5,000 km and will try to stay consistent throughout the year.
Goal #7: Finish the Lithuanian Triathlon Cup in the Top 20 (age group)
Last year, I finished 81st in my age group. Even if I had competed in all planned races, I likely still wouldn’t have cracked the Top 20.
This year, the goal is to improve through consistent training and better race execution.
Goal #8: Finish an Ironman 70.3 in under 5:39:00
This is a repeat goal from last year—and unfinished business.
I’m currently considering Ironman 70.3 Gdynia (Poland), although I haven’t booked my entry yet. Let’s see if this is finally the year I break that time barrier.
Goal #9: Do 100 push-ups on at least 90% of days
I started doing 100 push-ups a day somewhat spontaneously this year. I usually break them into sets of 10 or 20 throughout the day, which makes them surprisingly manageable.
It’s a simple, equipment-free exercise that can be done anywhere—so there shouldn’t be many excuses.
Personal Development Goals 📚💻
Goal #10: Read 20 books
In 2025, I read exactly 20 books, but it was a stretch toward the end. This year, I’m keeping the same target but won’t shy away from longer books.
My current routine:
- Read at least 20 pages per day
- Listen to at least 20 minutes of audiobooks per day
So far, this approach is working well, and consistency should get me there.
Goal #11: Earn a new IT certification
I didn’t earn any new certifications last year, so this is a clear priority for 2026.
To avoid procrastination:
- I’ll choose the certification by the end of January
- I’ll book the exam before the end of June
At the moment, I’m deciding between:
- TOGAF Enterprise Architecture Practitioner, or
- Microsoft Certified: Endpoint Administrator Associate (MD-102)
Family Goals❤️
Goal #12: Have at least 12 date nights or events with my wife
Just like last year, I want to make sure we intentionally set aside time for “just us.”
Goal #13: Cook at least 2-3 meals per week
This was a weak spot in 2025. This year, I’m lowering the bar slightly and focusing on consistency.
I’m preparing a list of meal ideas and will track my cooking to make sure I contribute more regularly.
Goal #14: Take at least 3 trips abroad
The plan is:
- 1 longer trip
- 2 shorter trips
We already have a short trip to Tallinn booked, as well as a one-week vacation in Gran Canaria. If I race Ironman 70.3 abroad, I may combine that with a family trip—or add something else later in the year.
Summary
That’s the plan: 14 goals for 2026.
They may look similar to last year’s goals, but consistency doesn’t mean they’ll be easy. I’m curious to see how many of these I’ll be able to mark as successful when the year comes to an end.
Are you setting any goals for this year? I’d love to read your thoughts in the comments. 😊