I didn’t plan to wait until the end of the year to share my goals. But it took me a few months to refocus after finishing the CDT. My daily routine of eating 8 protein bars and hiking from dawn to dusk took a toll.
We’ve all tried to set a goal only to give up soon after. More than 80% of New Year’s resolutions fail in the first two weeks. But what if giving up on a goal wasn’t the end? What if every new goal guaranteed progress on the things you care about most.
Setting a Purposeful Goal
This year try writing a purpose statement before setting a goal. Establishing a purposeful foundation shifts success away from a yes or no “did I achieve the goal.”
Instead, each day you start with purpose and work toward the goal is a success.
Your goal becomes a daily practice of being intentional with your attention. Whether you do this for 2 days or 2 weeks, it’s progress to build on. This practice is the cornerstone of The Path Journal.
My Purpose and 2026 Goals
My Purpose: To inspire the practice of exploratory focus.
I try to write my purpose statement each morning. The practice reminds me that stacking intentional days is more important than the progress made on any specific day.
It takes the pressure off achieving every goal. Because I make progress no matter the outcome.
From time to time I reflect on past goals. Then I revisit my purpose statement. This process builds confidence in my purpose and my next goal will be more aligned.
Long-Term Big Goals
Open a Personal Growth Retreat
A place to uncover your truth. A place to return to yourself. A place to practice exploratory focus and the path.
2026 Goals
Write a Book on Exploratory Focus
How can you uncover your truth in a world that is so noisy? How can you make space to return to yourself in a world that moves so fast?
Sell 500 Path Journals
I’ll share the Path Journal with anyone who will listen. I can’t wait to get feedback from folks who try the journal and continue to improve the path.
Release the full Build A Pack website
Buildapack is in a beta version. We need to increase views to access live product data and build the full tool. I’m excited to focus on sharing valuable content and resources that will keep you coming back.
Looking Back
In July 2023 I shared an overview of my goals in the article 13 million steps on the dirt path. Let’s see what happened.
Short Term Goals
- Launch Build A Pack – a website that empowers people to experience the beauty and simplicity of trail life
- Done! Check out Build A Pack. There is a lot more work to do, but I’m proud of our start.
- Publish a purpose-driven planner that incorporates lessons from start-ups and backpacking
- Done! Learn more about The Path Journal. Join our community interested in uncovering purpose and living a life true to themselves.
- Convert a van and road trip the 63 national parks
- Partial – I converted a sprinter van and road tripped to 20+ national parks. I couldn’t strike a balance between working on my projects and traveling. I’ll keep visiting national parks when I’m nearby, but this is no longer a priority.
Long Term Goals
- Thru-hike the 11 national scenic trails.
- Partial – I‘ve hiked 5 of 11 national scenic trails (PCT, AT, CDT, AZT, Natchez Trace). I‘m no longer committed to hiking all of the national scenic trails. I’ll hike a few more long trails in the coming years, but not all of them. Thruhikes take a ton of time and energy. And right now I’d rather spend that time growing our community.
- Open a growth retreat near a national scenic trail
- In Progress – This is still my north star. All of my projects and goals lead in this direction.
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