2026 Goals
Have been thinking about this one, on and off, for a couple of days now. I may come back and alter in time; as it’s been a pretty different 2025 for various reasons.
Goal 1 - Health
See the back of this freakin’ disc issue. Definitely doing a lot better. Need to stay sensible and consistent with the rehab and hope it goes away. It has had a major effect on my mood, energy, mojo, immune system, weight, fitness and strength over the past 3 months. So I’m looking for an upward trajectory. I’m already feeling happier in myself, so I think that’s a good sign. Start going to the gym and build up sensibly from there.
May give dry Jan a go this year. I’m intrigued. I don’t drink that much, and have avoided my ‘normal’ Xmas binge night out this year. Drove to a meet up with one group of mates, only had 3 or 4 beers with another and also choosing to drive to a friend’s house on NYE. With a focus on rehab, it seems a sensible start to the year. Have Mrs GB and my birthdays to navigate, but that’s only really going to be declining an alcoholic drink with a meal - not like we’re going out out or anything.
Hoping with the top 2 that the weight will drop off, strength will return and I’ll get my energy & mojo back.
Goal 2 - Running
In direct contradiction to the above, I’ve still got my heart set on getting my Trident. It’s a mini ‘hall of fame’ for completing all 100+ milers in my mate’s race catalogue. I’ve got 2 out of 3 so far; with Devon Coast to Coast in April to go. A few months ago I was pumped for this race, as there’ll be 5/6 of my crew all racing. I’ve finished 2nd in both the other races, so was originally keen to go 3 for 3 and really train hard for once.
With the back and total absence of movement for almost 3 months, this is going to be impossible … well, competing at the front of the race will. I’ll give myself some flexibility in case the back has other ideas, but I have 109 days to get to the start line in good enough shape for a ‘complete not compete’. I need this as a goal to focus on to get better. The race is 117 miles. So a mile a day, plus a few bonus miles.
Goal 3 - Surf Lifesaving
I’ve missed the assessment sessions for board rescue and tube rescue qualifications, after doing the training sessions when my back gave up. I want to be strong enough by the spring to be able to sit the assessments. Probably means I’m going to need to swim at some point or I’ll struggle on the tube rescue. Board should be pretty straightforward, even unfit.
I’ll aim to help more formally with these quals in my daughter’s group all year. I’ve also committed to taking a more active role with the competition squad. Helping design and run the land based aspect of training for the nippers.
I’d also like to give a few Master’s races a go if the dates work out. The Devon’s will probs be my best bet as the Nationals are down in Holywell Bay this year. Great location, but due to the scheduling the Masters would be on the first weekend and the Nippers on the Thur-Sat. I’m unlikely to want to drive all the way down there 2 weeks in a row (but we’ll see). I want to be in good enough shape to genuinely compete in the land based races - if I’m anywhere near my ‘normal’ condition, then I should be in with a medal shout in the 1km at least. But I also want to put myself out of my comfort zone and give the board races a go - though I know I won’t be competitive.
Goal 4 - Work
Need to find some renewed motivation in my current role. I’ve got the 3 year itch for something more impactful; but not sure where it’s going to come from. New internal role seems unlikely, but is what I want the most - but I’d need to create something brand new. But I’ll work on it. Don’t really want to leave the company yet, so I’ll see what the next 12 months look like. If I think I’m at a glass ceiling for what I want to do, then I’ll start exploring. By that point I’d have had 12 months experience on the CV of my board role, which I hope will a) prepare me for my next role; b) help the old CV out and c) may even facilitate some new contacts that I can lever.
Continuing from the above, I want to make the most of the opportunity of my board position. Learn from the other Directors. Absorb as much information and experience as I can. Be extra inquisitive. Make sure I bring the learning into my role.
Overall, make sure I’m enjoying myself. Also, I want to support Mrs GB in whatever way I can to navigate career crossroads that she’s at.
Goal 5 - Kids
Be the best Dad I can be. Try to be a little less grumpy. Don’t automatically say ‘no’ until i’ve properly thought about what they’re asking. Prepare big mini GB as best we can for secondary school. Prepare ourselves for her going to secondary! Just give them as good a childhood as we can! Spend more time on the beach in the summer on the water. Find that extra bit of energy and motivation to grab a board or kayak and pop down for an evening paddle.
Goal 6 - House
Complete renovation of the lounge in H1. Work hard on it. Push to completion, and try not to do what we always do which is drastically slow down once we hit about 75% completion. Complete the scabby downstairs toilet. Once plumber and plasterer have done their bit, we can decorate and finish pretty easily ourselves.
Maybe start on the dining room and office if we have any funds left!
Get the garage fixed before it becomes a bigger problem. Continue to chip away at the garden; but not to get down about how big a project it is. Keep making small improvements every year, and when the funds are replenished then we can dive into bigger, more dramatic changes.
Goal 7 - Stay curious
Keep reading books. Listen to people - like really listen. Constantly strive to be a better person. Be curious about the world. Try to make a difference, no matter how small.
I think that’s about it for my year. Sorry for the long read; but I’ve been very reflective this past week.
