It’s that time again when everyone’s abuzz with their New Year goals. But as much as I love everything about the beginning of the year, my New Year goals haven’t always gone as planned. I’ve had more New Year fails than I can count. I often start off with good intentions but would fizzle by February. Based on studies, I know I’m not alone — that’s when most people give up on their New Year’s resolutions.
But take heart, friend. There’s hope.
Today, I’m sharing three steps for God-centered New Year goals, or any time you sense the need for a fresh start. You won’t find complicated New Year’s resolutions, but rather, encouragement and tips to set new goals and keep your eyes on the prize.
How to Partner with God in Your New Year Goals
1. Start where you are
In your excitement to turn a new leaf, this first step might surprise you. Before you can look ahead, I want you to look back. Reflect on what God has done in your life so far. Spend some time acknowledging where He showed up and notice the signs that indicate He’s been there all along.
Thank God for His faithfulness, His provision and His love. As difficult or challenging the past year might have been, God has not forsaken you, so pause and celebrate His goodness in your life.
“Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise;
his greatness no one can fathom.
One generation commends your works to another;
they tell of your mighty acts.
They speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty—
and I will meditate on your wonderful works.[b]
They tell of the power of your awesome works—
and I will proclaim your great deeds.
They celebrate your abundant goodness
and joyfully sing of your righteousness.”
Then take some time to also consider how you are doing. This is a key part of taking stock before you can move forward.
It might be tempting to gloss over this step, but I promise you’ll find value in assessing how you’re doing in the core life areas. These areas include:
1. Spiritual
2. Family
3. Emotional
4. Personal Growth
5. Physical
6. Career
7. Social
8. Financial
Take my free THRIVE assessment here to get an at-a-glance look at how you’re doing in the eight core life areas before making your New Year goals.
Getting crystal clear about where you are establishes a firm foundation for you to build on as you move forward.
2. Consider where you want to be
Now that you’ve reflected, celebrated and gotten clear on where you are, it’s time to start dreaming with God. Do you remember what that was like? In the busyness of life, we sometimes forget to dream. But this is your invitation to rekindle your purpose and passion as you look forward to the New Year.
“Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.” ~ Proverbs 29:18 KJV
To get started, ask yourself these questions:
- What are the things that bring you joy or light a fire inside of you? Hint: you’ll want to fill up with more of those, while the things that drain your energy you’ll want to avoid or cut down.
- What does your dream life look like?
- What would reaching your goal/s make possible?
- What options and opportunities are available?
- What is exciting to you about this?
As you dream, allow God’s Spirit to guide you. Enjoy the process without concerning yourself with the details at this stage.
You may even want to sit with these thoughts for a while as you pray about God’s next steps for you.
3. Plan how you’re going to get there
As you begin to gain greater clarity, it’s time to make some New Year goals. We can have the loftiest goals but without a plan of action they will go nowhere.
It can feel overwhelming to plan a whole year in advance, so consider some overall goals for the year with more detailed plans for the first quarter. Ninety-day plans are much more manageable than those for an entire year.
This is where you’ll want to get specific about those core life areas. Use the insights from the THRIVE assessment to home in on areas that need attention. Have you been neglecting your health, for instance? Then be sure to set some specific plans around this area of your life. Struggling to connect with your children? Carve out time to develop those key family relationships.
I know what it’s like to be busy. With life moving so fast, trying to focus on everything at once feels overwhelming. That’s why I wrote Time to Thrive: A Busy Woman’s Devotional Journal. There are devotions for each of the eight core life areas, so no matter what’s going on in your life, you’ll receive encouragement for the journey. And the best part is, each devotion can be completed in just 15 minutes, allowing you to sit at Jesus’ feet no matter how busy you are.
The Skinny on New Year Goals
Making New Year goals with God can be fun, rewarding and effective. To recap, simply follow these three steps:
1) Start where you are by reflecting on God’s faithfulness and how you’re doing in the core life areas
2) Consider where you want to be by dreaming with God
3) Plan how you’re going to get there, and stay encouraged and faithful along the way.
How about you? If you found these tips helpful I’d love to know. Feel free to reach out and tell us how your New Year goals are going. I’d love to support you along the way.
Great way to make goals with the Lord for the New Year!!!!