As we step into a new year, it’s natural to reflect on the past—the good, the bad, and yes, even the ugly. These moments matter because they shape who we are and help us set meaningful goals for the future.
I don’t know about you, but I’ve let go of the whole “new year, new me” pressure. Maybe you’ve felt the need to as well—that overwhelming push to reinvent yourself completely just because it’s January just doesn’t make sense to me because if I wasn’t who I was, I wouldn’t be who I am today. Even the tough seasons (as painful as they’ve been) have given me opportunities to grow.
So, instead of trying to change everything all at once—because let’s be honest, life is overwhelming enough already—I’ve started asking myself these questions:
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What went well this year?
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What didn’t?
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Where is my time, energy, and heart being pulled?
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What do I need to let go of?
This reflection shifts my focus from perfection to progress.
Inviting God Into the Process
If you’re new to faith, I get that prayer can feel awkward or even intimidating. Maybe you’re not even sure what to say or how to start trusting God’s guidance. Believe me— I’ve been there too, but here’s the thing: even the smallest step of opening your heart to Him can make the world of a difference.
I’ll never forget one particular season when I felt completely lost as a mom. When my youngest son was born, I was so excited to hold him and simply love on him, but he cried non-stop. This wasn’t your sweet newborn whimpers either—we had full-on, heartbreaking cries for help. He was colicky, had food allergies, and a broken collarbone from birth. It was overwhelming to say the least.
Day after day, I felt like I was failing at the one thing I was supposed to do—comfort and nurture my sweet, innocent baby. I vividly remember three specific times when I reached my breaking point. Each time, I placed him in his crib, closed the door, and stepped outside to catch my breath and just let it all out—ugly crying and all, completely full of guilt and frustration.
I turned the baby monitor down and, through my tears, prayed:
“God, if You’re real, why can’t I help him? Please, make it stop so he can sleep… so we both can.”
And then something incredible happened. As I looked down, I saw the baby monitor go quiet. My little one—who had only ever screamed when I wasn’t holding him—had fallen asleep on his own.
By the third time this happened, something started shifting in my heart. I didn’t have all the answers, but I knew, without a doubt, that God was with me. That moment became the start of my journey with prayer and inviting God into the mix. The more I let go of trying to “fix” everything on my own, the more I felt God’s peace fill the spaces where my anxiety had taken over.
God wasn’t asking me to have it all figured out. He simply wanted me to trust Him—to lean on Him instead of carrying it all on my own. So, I bring that into my New Year Goal Setting Process as well.
The Secret Ingredient
Prayer is like the secret ingredient in a recipe—it’s what ties everything together and makes it work. It’s not just about asking God for things; it’s about aligning your heart and mind with His purpose for you.
I know it’s tempting to rely on willpower alone to achieve your goals but let me tell you—willpower runs out, God’s strength doesn’t.
When we invite Him into our plans, it’s like having a personal coach, mentor, and biggest fan all in one. He’s not just there to support you—He’s guiding you toward something greater than you could imagine.
A Resolution That Sticks
Setting goals and resolutions is great—and sometimes necessary, but what if this year, instead of focusing only on changing yourself, you made a resolution to lean more on God?
Take a moment to pause and ask yourself:
- Am I craving deeper connection—with others, myself, or God?
- Does my body or mind need healing or grace?
- Am I holding onto something that’s hurting me more than helping me?
(Bitterness, stress, or habits that no longer serve you might come to mind.)
While you’re reflecting, try this: offer up a simple prayer. It doesn’t have to be perfect. It could be as straightforward as, “God, I need help. Show me the steps to take.”
When we center our lives around God, our goals become more than just tasks to check off. They’re part of a bigger, more meaningful picture. Not to mention the peace that comes from knowing you’re walking in His purpose.
That’s the kind of motivation and clarity we all need.
Take the First Step
So this year, let’s commit to leaning into His strength instead of carrying it all on our own. Let’s make space for reflection, open our hearts in prayer, and trust that He’s guiding us toward growth and purpose. Together, we can step into this new year with faith, hope, and the confidence that we’re never walking alone.
