Dream Big in 2026

It’s the start of a new year. When most of us experience the desire to reflect on our lives and make resolutions. You might have resolved to declutter the kids’ toys, to start a new weightlifting routine, or to stay in better touch with loved ones. In years past, my resolutions have run the gamut from the mundane – clean out the kitchen cabinets – to the sacred – be more observant and present in daily life.

This year, I invite us all to dream big. What might the year hold for us? How do we want to spend our energy and time? When do we feel most alive? How would we define our values? These are some of the questions that might prompt reflection and dreaming of big dreams.

I often return to definition of minimalism offered by Joshua Becker: “Minimalism is the intentional promotion of the things we most value and the removal of anything that distracts us from it.”

I appreciate his perspective that minimalism, far from making our lives small, allows us to expand what our lives may be. Minimalism allows us to dream big and chase those dreams.

A first step in this journey is making peace with what your dreams for your life actually are. Years ago, I saw a photography exhibit of Alec Soth. One of the photos in the exhibit Songbook depicts a person seemingly suspended upside down on the top of a rock overlooking a waterfall. In the accompanying description, Alec Soth reflected: “there are people living all sorts of different lives out in the world.” Such a simple statement that provokes such a deep truth. Your life can look different from other people’s lives.

Minimalism allows us to gain clarity on what we, not others, value and want to prioritize in our lives. It allows us to let go of chasing someone else’s, especially marketers and advertisers, idea of a good life and reclaim our own vision. It’s both liberating and terrifying to hold yourself accountable to creating a meaningful life on your own terms.

If you’re not entirely sure what you want your life to look like or what big dreams you have here at the start of 2026, start small. Pay attention to the times in your day when you feel most alive or at ease or engaged. Alternatively, note the times in your day when you feel most numb or stressed or checked out. Remember, stay true to your own experiences, and know that your answers will differ from others, and that is OK.

What you’re really trying to do is to tap into what relationship expert Esther Perel calls “eros” – “life force, creativity, engagement, aliveness, vibrancy, vitality, imagination.” Or, if tapping into aliveness and creativity feels like too lofty of an ask for you in this moment, maybe start even more concrete with reflecting on young adult author Rainbow Rowell’s quote:

“So, what if, instead of thinking about solving your whole life, you just think about adding additional good things. One at a time. Just let your pile of good things grow.”

Again, your list of good things will look different from others, and that is OK. Maybe it’s taking on a leadership position in work or in your community to create change you’ve wanted to see. Maybe it’s reaching out to neighbors in need to cultivate a better sense of community. Maybe it’s starting your day with quiet reflection. Maybe it’s having family game nights. Maybe it’s pursuing art or a creative interest. Maybe it’s connecting with friends. Whatever tops your list, allow yourself to embrace that it reflects your own true desires, values, and dreams.

Once you have clarity about what good things you want to add to your life or what activities bring you closer to feeling alive, the next step is to prioritize those things. Most experts will tell you the same advice: start with small, consistent efforts and break down larger goals into smaller, easy to accomplish tasks.

Can you allow yourself five minutes at the start of each day to devote to your dream? Trust me, these small, consistent efforts will add up. Dream big by starting small. Your life awaits!

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About the Author: Emily Kazyak is a writer and educator based in Nebraska. Along with minimalism, she has a penchant for bike riding, lattes, and photography.