Some people love it and some people hate it. It’s that time of year again where we think about all that we want to accomplish in the new year. I understand that not everyone enjoys this time of evaluation and reflection. I love it and may or may not have developed a spreadsheet with multiple sheets to include all of my subcategories of planning. But even if this isn’t your thing, there are a few things that you can do to make the most of the upcoming year.

1. Find a quiet place and a time without distraction. This can be difficult if you have little ones to care for but it’s important to slow down and think. It doesn’t have to be a long drawn out process. Ideally you would have at least an hour but if that doesn’t seem possible then aim for 20 to 30 minutes. Grab a notebook or journal and a pen and if you are anything like me a candle is a must! At the top of a blank page I write an all-encompassing goal that I want all areas in my life to point to. For me it is a scripture verse. 2 Corinthians 3:18 “But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit.” (NASB) I want to grow so close to Jesus that I reflect Him and His love to others. Every goal that I write down must be a means to that end.
2. Begin your time with a short prayer asking God to be in the process with you and to show you areas that He wants you to grow in. Be mindful that sometimes this means adding things to your daily schedule but sometimes it means taking things away.
3. Briefly review your current daily rhythms and evaluate what you feel is working well and what needs to be changed. Is there anything that you feel God is leading you towards? I find it helpful to work through the different areas of my life in categories but it isn’t necessary if that feels too structured.
4. I start with a theme that I have noticed coming up in my personal prayer times or as I read. In past years I have felt God wanting me to focus on discipline. This year is growth. What do you feel you should focus on? Whatever it may be I encourage you to take some time during your next study and find scripture verses about that topic. Take it a step further and try to memorize some of them.
5. After I have my theme, I begin working my way through the different areas of my life – Personal Goals (Relationships, Health, Personal Growth), Professional Goals (Work, Home), Ministry Goals (Serving and being a reflection), Spiritual Goals (Study, Scripture Memorization), and lastly my Annual Bucket List (Fun things I want to do, Travel).
6. Almost done but not quite. A lot of people stop there but that doesn’t really get you anywhere. A goal isn’t any good unless you have steps to get you there. Sure I want to eat healthier but saying that doesn’t really help me accomplish it. What steps do I need to take to eat healthier? I’m going to try juicing 2 meals a week and see how I like it. (Stay tuned) I’m going to limit myself to one sweet a day. It’ll probably be a really big one but hey, it’s a start. Come up with the steps to achieve your goals.
7. Thank God for the time and ability to do all that you are setting out to do this year and ask for His blessing. God has a plan for you in 2023 and I pray that you are blessed in all that you do! Happy New Year!