A Fresh Start: Reflect, Dream, and Plan with God This New Year
I don’t know about you, but there’s just something about a new year that I love. For me, it feels like a clean slate. I know… it’s kind of just a mental thing. There’s really no difference between December 31st and January 1st. It’s just another day on the calendar. But that mental shift? It helps me so much. Every once in a while, I need to give myself a little “restart” moment to help me get back on track with different things in life. And the new year feels like the perfect time to do exactly that.
As we step into 2026, I want to guide you through something I love to do every year—reflect, plan, and dream with God. This isn’t about pressure or perfection. It’s about purpose, growth, and moving forward with intention.
Step 1: Look Back at the Year Behind You
Before you rush into new goals, pause and look back.
Ask yourself:
What happened this past year?
What mistakes did I make?
What challenges stretched me?
What did I learn along the way?
This part isn’t about beating yourself up. It’s about honest reflection. Every experience—good or hard—has helped shape you. God can use all of it.
Take time to thank God for the lessons, the growth, and even the hard moments. They are all part of your story, helping you grow stronger and wiser.
Write it down. There’s something powerful about seeing it on paper.
Step 2: Remember the Good Stuff
Now let’s focus on gratitude.
Write down your favorite memories from the year:
Moments that made you smile
Times you felt God’s presence
Simple joys you don’t want to forget
Gratitude helps us see how faithful God has been. When we remember the good, it reminds us that He was with us the whole time… and He’ll continue to walk with us into this new year.
Step 3: Look Ahead with Hope
Next, think about what’s coming.
Ask yourself:
What am I excited about in 2026?
What am I looking forward to?
What feels hopeful or new?
Looking ahead with expectation opens your heart to possibility. God loves when we move forward with hope instead of fear.
Step 4: Set Goals with Purpose
Now it’s time to get practical.
Write down your goals for the year:
What do you want to actually make happen?
What habits or steps would support those goals?
What areas of life need more intention?
Your goals don’t have to be huge. Small, faithful steps matter more than big, rushed ones.
Step 5: Dream God-Sized Dreams
Finally… this is my favorite part.
Write down your dreams. The big ones.
The ones that feel scary.
The ones that seem too big to imagine actually happening.
If God placed those dreams on your heart, there’s a reason. Don’t talk yourself out of them.
Bring It All to Life with a Plan and a Vision Board
As you go through this process, start filling in your planner with things that help move you toward your goals and dreams.
Then get creative and make a vision board:
A poster board
A journal page
Or even a graphic you keep as your phone wallpaper
Seeing your goals regularly keeps them front and center and helps you stay motivated throughout the year.
Don’t Let Fear Stop You
Trying and learning is never a failure.
If something doesn’t work the way you hoped, it doesn’t mean you failed… it means you’re growing. God often uses the process to prepare us for what’s next.
You don’t have to have everything figured out.
You just need to take the next faithful step.
You’ve got this. And you’re not walking into this new year alone.
A Little Extra Help to Get You Started
If you’d like a little extra guidance as you reflect, dream, and plan, I created a free printable just for you called Recipe for Purpose. 🧡
You can click the link below to download it and use it to help bring clarity, direction, and focus to your goals and God-sized dreams for the year ahead.
It’s simple, encouraging, and meant to help you take that next step—without pressure.
👉 Download the free Recipe for Purpose here and let’s walk into this new year with intention, faith, and purpose.
