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SUBR | Life

OUT WITH THE OLD, IN WITH THE GOALS FOR 2026

Ja'Lynn Sims Student Contributor, Southern University and A&M College
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at SUBR chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.

As 2025 comes to an end, many of us can’t wait to hit the reset button. But the New Year isn’t just about reinventing yourself. It’s about growing into the version of yourself that you’ve always wanted to be. The version of you that’s waiting to shine. “Out with the old” doesn’t necessarily mean erase your past self; it means letting go of what’s holding you back. Once you let that go, you can step into 2026 with purpose, clarity, and confidence. 

Around this time every year people are making long drawn out lists of goals such as working out, eating better, staying organized, and staying off their phone (even if it’s just for a few hours a day). But in all honesty real growth can’t happen until you make the goals mean something to you. You can’t just pick up goals because they’re “trending” you should want to change. Instead of chasing that “new year, new me” mindset we see all over social media, just think about improving the current you. You’ve already learned, survived, and accomplished so much, why not just add on to her. 

Start small but be specific. Instead of saying “I want to save money” try “I’ll put aside $25 every paycheck” or instead of saying “I’m going to start focusing on myself,” decide what that will look like for you. Focusing on yourself looks different for everyone. You could start journaling every Sunday night, going on a morning walk, and learning how to say no when something doesn’t serve you. Progress doesn’t have to be worth celebrating. 

Remember that your peace is valid. It is completely okay to move on your own time. Some goals may be easier to reach than others, but don’t let that discourage you. Growth isn’t a competition; it’s a beautiful journey that looks different for everyone. Some seasons are for grinding, while others are for resting, but both are necessary. 

So, as you step into the 2026 season, don’t just set goals because you feel as if you have to. Set them because you want to take a step further in becoming the woman you’re meant to be. Reflect, reset, and refocus. Make goals that feel realistic but still push you to be proud of yourself a year from now. 

Here’s to leaving behind procrastination, fear, and doubt while walking confidently into 2026 with goals that actually make you want to grow.

Hello! My name is Ja’Lynn Sims, and I am proud to call Baton Rouge, Louisiana, my hometown. I am currently a junior at Southern University and Agricultural & Mechanical College, where I am pursuing a degree in Elementary Education. My passion lies in working with children and youth, as I strongly believe they are the foundation of the future. Nurturing, inspiring, and guiding young minds excites me, and I look forward to carrying this passion into both my career and my involvement here at SUBR Her Campus.