My goal for 2026 has been to… fail.

I’m going to fail to start listening to podcasts because, frankly, I like my own thoughts and the sound of very little.

I’m going to fail to do more at work–I’m giving up some big things and focusing, instead, on lesser ones that give me more unstructured time.

I’m going to fail to try to become better. I’ll never be a supermodel, a Nobel Prize winner, a perfect parent, or run a marathon and I don’t care. I might work on becoming a painter and I already know I’ll never be great at it. I’m just in it for the fun.

I’m going to fail at going to the gym five days a week. I may even congratulate myself, occasionally, walking up the stairs from my condo’s garage.

I’m going to fail at emulating the endless striving that has come to characterize, for many, a meaningful life. I think, instead, I’ll shoot for calling my mom every day and reminding myself how lucky I am. I don’t need more wins–I need more simple joys.

I’m going to fail at promoting my brand. Instead, I’m going for more walks.

I’m going to fail at never having a drink, being lazy, eating dessert, watching rom coms, or making bad puns. Life is way too short to be serious all the time

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How about you?