I have a love/hate relationship with the New Year.

On one side, I feel annoyed at the bombardment of all the things I should be doing, goals I should be setting, the person I should be becoming — and a glaring sense of “you sucked last year, try again.” My year never seems to go as I had planned… *** key words being “as I had planned” The Good Lord always has His own plans and I am so glad.

And on the other side, I find myself happy I get to turn the page and start a new chapter. I feel myself relieved I get a fresh start.

Half of me is low-key depressed… and half of me is excited!

I was sharing my turmoil with my husband (Pastor, Life-Coach, Missionary, Entrepreneur) and he shared some thoughts with me that helped so much, and I just wanted to share them with you.

GROWTH is a PROCESS… NOT a performance.

Life is designed so that we will continually grow and become better. If you are a Christian, that means becoming more CHRIST-LIKE. It is not a race. Last year may not have looked like what I wanted it to, but it is what God had planned for me.

“So we are convinced that every detail of our lives is continually woven together for good, for we are His lovers who have been called to fulfill His designed purpose.” – Romans 8:28 — TPT

“He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion…” (Philippians 1:6)

God is not shocked by unfinished areas. We are BECOMING, not trying to catch up — and that is a mindset I am uprooting from my thinking.

God’s GRACE covers the areas I feel I failed in… but often what feels like “failure” may actually be God pruning us and preparing us for what HE has planned. That definitely summed up 2025 for me!

“My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)

Leaning on God’s grace doesn’t lower the standard — it changes the source! We HAVE to lean on God’s grace; it’s what we are SUPPOSED to do. I make plans and think “oh no, I need God’s grace to fix it!” NOPE.

Changing that thinking as well. I need God’s grace for any and all of it.  

God created this new year, just as He creates each new morning — a new day. I can reflect on last year and acknowledge the things I failed at, conquered, overcame, grew in, slacked on, cried through, hated, loved, experienced, dreaded, and enjoyed… and that makes up the year. That’s LIFE.  And I want to keep embracing this life God is laying out for me.  

“A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.” (Proverbs 16:9) Who is thankful for that??

PRESSURE BLOCKS CHANGE.

The week between Christmas and New Year always feels like a race to set new goals and plan for a “better you.” I HATE the pressure our society places on us to “get it all together by January 1st.” It is not a race!! Take a week or two — even the whole month — to rest. There is no race to plan, plot, or work yourself up to feel like you can conquer. Allow yourself time to reset.

Rest resets your ability to hear God clearly. Noise creates false urgency, and ain’t nothin good happening when we are stressed out and panicky.

Physiology tid-bit (how the body works): When we feel overwhelmed, guilty, or pressured, the brain shifts into stress mode. This reduces creativity, motivation, and clear decision-making — making real change harder, not easier. Neuroscience shows sustainable growth happens when the nervous system feels safe, not threatened.

In simple terms: starting the year overwhelmed actually works against change. Rest isn’t laziness — it’s neurological preparation.  LET’S start 2026 WITHOUT more stress… who’s with me? 

When setting your goals, consider this:

FOCUSED GROWTH (not doing everything).

You don’t have to become the best in all the things. Just choose a couple areas to focus on and improve on this year.

• “One thing I do…” (Philippians 3:13)
• “Mary has chosen what is better.” (Luke 10:42) I love this.
• “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” (Psalm 90:12)

Research shows lasting change happens best in focused seasons, not all at once. 90-day resets increase follow-through, reduce burnout, and support real habit formation. 

Me personally, I am joining my husband in a three-month body “reset,” taking that time to focus on our health — physically and mentally. Doctor appointments, eating and exercise, sunshine, sleep, time outdoors, thankfulness, supplements… I even got a health journal that I am ONLY using for those three months.  Sure, I could plan to do it for one full year… but I am not. Just 90 days.  

ASK GOD WHAT AREAS YOU NEED TO FOCUS ON — THAT IS WISDOM, NOT PASSIVITY.

Don’t start the year stressed and overwhelmed with 238 things you need to improve on. Ask the Lord and consider what areas He would like YOU to focus on — and keep it simple.

• “In all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5–6)
• “Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain.” (Psalm 127:1)

Important distinction:
Waiting on God doesn’t delay progress — it prevents misalignment.

God isn’t demanding more from you — He’s inviting you to rest, trust, and grow with Him. Remove the stress, negative mindsets, and guilt from 2025 failures from your thinking.

Begin this year in HIS GRACE, and let’s ENJOY what is to come!