Planning 2026 With a Coffee and Some Honesty
Fewer goals, deeper work, and finally stopping when I get there
I sat down the other day with a coffee, a notebook, and a pen and did something I really enjoy.
I planned my year.
Not in a “new year, new me” Instagram kind of way. More of a quiet, what’s really important to me, way.
2026 is going to be a big year for me. But not because I’m trying to blow everything up or chase bigger numbers for the sake of it.
If anything, it’s the opposite. I want to do Less, but better.
I have a bad habit. Maybe you do too.
I set a goal. I work towards it. I hit it.
And instead of stopping, acknowledging it, and actually enjoying the fact I crossed the finish line, I move the goalposts.
Add another 25%. Raise the bar. Decide it “doesn’t really count yet”.
End result? Perpetual progress. Zero satisfaction.
My own worst enemy.
So this year I’m doing things differently.
2026 is about doing meaningful things better and more deeply. Things that actually move the needle. And when I hit them, I’m going to stop and smell the bloody roses. Reflect. Letting myself feel it. Not immediately stacking another target on top.
Anyone else guilty of this?
One thing that’s already helping is accountability.
A good friend of mine is also on a growth trajectory this year, so we’ve set up regular catch ups and weekly progress reports. Nothing fancy. Just honest updates.
What did you say you were going to do?
Did you do it?
How did you move the needle this week?
If not, why not?
Honestly, sometimes just knowing I’ll have to tell someone what I did this week is enough to give me a motivating kick up the ass and get me moving forward.
If you don’t have someone like this, I highly recommend it.
So, in the spirit of putting it out there, here are a few of my goals for 2026.
First, health.
I want to drop a few more kilos and be down to 91kg by April. The lighter I get, the better I feel, the more energy I have, and the more I can do. Absolute no brainer.
Put the fork down, Andy. Lol.
Second, the book.
I’m launching my new book in February 2026. It’s been a long time coming and I’m excited to finally get it out into the world.
If you want to get on the wait list, comment “Book” below and I’ll make sure you’re first to hear about it.
Third, the online options trading course.
I’m building a proper self paced course so people can learn in their own time and so I don’t have to keep getting up at 4am, wired on two cans of Monster and three coffees, teaching until I lose my voice.
Everyone wins.
Fourth, Spain.
I need to renew my visa here in July so I can stay in this beautiful place. Fingers crossed.
Is it the smartest choice from a tax point of view? Probably not in isolation. But it’s part of a bigger long term strategy, hello passport planning, and the quality of life here is incredible. For this season of life, it’s worth it.
Fifth, community.
I want to keep growing the Substack and the Discord communities this year. I genuinely love the writing now, and having communities of like minded people means I can talk about nerdy money, retirement, and geo arbitrage stuff without watching people’s eyes glaze over.
That alone is priceless.
And finally, speaking.
I want to speak at more events in 2026. I’m keynoting a FatFIRE conference in Vietnam in late January and I’m genuinely pumped about it. Being around high achievers, builders, and people who are actually doing the work pushes me to level up.
That whole “you are the average of the five people you hang around” thing is annoyingly true.
Alright, that’s enough from me in this spur of the moment post.
I’m curious about you.
What are your big goals for this year?
What system have you set up to actually achieve them?
And who is going to hold you to account when motivation dips?
2026 is like any other year. Full of potential. Full of promise. Loaded with opportunities to improve your situation and make your life better.
The only real question is: what are you going to do with it?
Cheers
Andy
Valencia
