Welcome to another episode of The Crystal Paine Show! This one is a follow-up to the episode where I shared why I’m not setting goals for 2026, and if you haven’t listened to that one yet, I recommend you do so first because it gives some important context for everything I’m sharing here. Today, Jesse and I give you a peek into my “fun list” - the low-pressure, no-fail, creatively inspired approach I’m taking this year instead of traditional goals, and I am sharing how it’s already reshaping my life just eight days into 2026 (as of when we recorded this)!

I talk about the various ways that I have been learning to exist without constant urgency. Years of nonstop goal-chasing left my nervous system overworked, and letting go of that pace has forced me to ask, “Who am I without projects defining my worth?” I share how sitting quietly, arriving early, and simply having space between tasks has actually been strangely calming and unexpectedly healing. We also dive into some very practical examples: everything from decluttering and organizing our home, creating better systems for the spaces which we already have, helping our kids take more ownership, to discovering joy in cooking, exploring new crafts like watercolor and embroidery, and simply enjoying small daily rituals like tea, walks, movies, and shows!

Along the way, I also reflect on how my fun list allows me to enjoy life without pressure—no measuring, no stress, just inspiration. Listen in as I share how I am approaching social media differently this year, letting Instagram be a life-giving place again, and how I’m enjoying reading fiction for the sake of enjoyment, not just achievement. I really hope this episode inspires you to experiment with your own fun list, give yourself permission to slow down, and find joy in both the small and creative moments of life, and, of course, as always, we would love to hear from you!

In This Episode

[0:35] - This episode is a follow-up to episode 329 and discusses my “fun list” for 2026!

[1:28] - Hear how I visited a gastroenterologist due to chronic anemia, navigating confusion about colonoscopy and endoscopy.

[4:59] - Jesse and I discuss how replacing rigid goals with a flexible “fun list” reduces pressure and avoids feelings of failure for me.

[7:03] I discuss how fun lists inspire without pressure, unlike goals, which feel heavy and failure-laden for me.

[10:22] - Not setting goals challenges my identity, revealing how much I tied worth to productivity.

[13:32] - Hear how introducing myself without listing projects initially felt strange, highlighting how much I normally juggle.

[15:02] - Letting go of constant goal-chasing calms my nervous system and creates healing space.

[19:15] - Jesse and I talk about how embracing a fun list allows enjoying activities such as assembling puzzles without pressure, timelines, or discomfort with unfinished tasks.

[20:18] - I am realizing that I cherish simple pleasures and keep them flexible, trusting that rest enhances rather than hinders productivity.

[23:42] - I want to explore watercolor, embroidery, knitting, and possibly consider moving for more space.

[25:39] - Hear how managing bedrooms and sibling dynamics shows the challenges of space and kids' competitive relationships.

[27:35] - I talk about how creating home systems and decluttering improves daily life and prepares for a potential move.

[30:58] - I am aiming to enjoy cooking, gym routines, and short trips without pressure or strict goals.

[33:44] - I reflect on having rediscovered Instagram joy by posting freely and creatively, without focusing on strategy or metrics.

[36:09] - The final thing on my fun list is to read more fiction.

Links & Resources

Crystal Paine

The Crystal Paine Show - 329: Why I Am Not Setting Goals in 2026

Social Media

Crystal Paine on Instagram (@moneysavingmom)

Crystal Paine on Instagram (@crystaliscleaning)

Crystal Paine on LinkedIn

Crystal Paine on Twitter

Crystal Paine on Goodreads

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