Want 2026 to Be Your Best Year Ever? Start Here

Every December, we promise ourselves that next year will be different. We set resolutions, buy planners, and dream big, but by February, most of those goals are already forgotten. Why? Because resolutions lack structure. If you want 2026 to truly be your best year yet, you need a framework that works.

Frameworks provide a process that you can tailor to your own needs or way of doing things.  As an avid reader, I am curious about success.  What makes successful people…..successful! They mostly always use frameworks and they are disciplined in their focus. I resonate with Natalie Dawson’s PPF Framework: Personal, Professional, Financial. It’s simple, powerful, and designed to help you set goals that actually stick. Here’s a summary of how it works.

Step 1: Personal Goals

Start with you. What is one investment in yourself you would like to make? Maybe it’s improving your health, spending more time with family, or finally taking that dream trip. Do you want to run a marathon, learn to cook or learn a language? Write down one personal goal for the next year, then think about what small steps you can take to action this. 

As an example improving your health could include waking up 30 mins earlier to take a walk or booking a breath work class.  Book a recurring reminder in your diary each week called Improving Health so you focus on the next step required.

Step 2: Professional/Purpose Goals

Professional Goals relate to your work and career.  Do you want a promotion? A new skill? Maybe you’re ready to start that side hustle. You will need to get specific “grow my leadership skills” is better than “do better at work.” Clarity creates momentum.

For those not at work (retirees and stay at home parents) you can swap out professional for purpose.

Examples include: mentorship – sharing your experience with younger people or volunteering in community programs; contributing to a board or cause you care about; write a memoir or research your heritage; take up photography or create a walking group.

These goals replace career advancement with impact, creativity and fulfillment.

Step 3: Financial Goals

And now for my favourite, the money piece. This is where we turn dreams into numbers. Remember to keep it simple: save $50 per week more than last year; repay an extra $200 pm on the mortgage (this will knock 6 years off the average home loan!); invest $100 pw in the share market; start an investment for the kids….. the list goes on.  The key to financial goals is to automate the process.  All of the examples above can be set up once and then they will occur without further thought.

Natalie also suggests focusing on increasing your active income first, because more income means more options.

How to start your 2026 challenge

Grab your phone and create three notes: Personal, Professional/Purpose, Financial.

Under each, write:

• One goal for 1 year

• One for 3 years

• One for 5 years

• 
  

Then, jot down the first two steps for each year. Easy. And this is exactly how big dreams become real plans.

Ready to make 2026 your best year yet? 

Let’s turn those goals into a roadmap. Book a chat with us today.

General Advice Warning - This communication has been prepared on a general advice basis only. The information has not been prepared to take into account your specific objectives, needs and financial situation. The information may not be appropriate to your individual needs and you should seek advice from your financial or tax adviser before making any investment decisions.