State of the Union: Ins and Outs 2026 Edition
Yes girlies, I’m channeling my inner Massie Block.
My for years state of the union ins and outs, I have curated lists that benefit my 5 year plan.
1. Productivity vs. procrastination. Do I have to explain this? Procrastination gets you no where if it overtakes productivity. You need to work daily towards your goals.
2. Financial growth vs. overspending. Overspending leads to a dead road. Make sure you are budgeting and not spending above your means. I am going to strictly follow the 50/30/20 rule. 50% of your paycheck goes towards your needs, 30% goes towards your wants and 20% goes towards your savings.
3. Family vs. fake friends. I’ve learned at my lowest point that family will come above fake friends. Family can be your blood family or the people you choose as your family. When I was on life support, my family came through for me. I will never forget this.
4. Protecting my peace vs. chaos and overthinking. Anxiety and depression fuels procrastination as well as not successfully completing goals. My aim for this year is to protect my peace and focus on mental health.
Reflecting on my own experiences, the battle between productivity and procrastination is real and ongoing. I've noticed that setting small daily goals can help maintain momentum, especially when those goals align with a bigger vision, much like the 5-year plan mentioned here. The 50/30/20 budgeting rule is a game-changer; when I started applying it, I finally felt in control of my finances rather than letting overspending dictate stress in my life. It's important to remember that 'family' isn't always biological—choosing supportive friends who uplift you is just as crucial. I've had moments when so-called friends faded away during tough times, and valuing those who truly come through has been a powerful lesson. Protecting mental peace is equally vital. Anxiety and overthinking can paralyze progress, as the author rightly points out. Incorporating mindfulness practices like meditation or journaling has helped me reduce chaotic thoughts and stay focused on my goals. Overall, combining these 'ins and outs'—from productivity hacks to prioritizing meaningful relationships and finances—creates a foundation for not just surviving but thriving in 2026 and beyond.