How to Start a New Year with Purpose
Whenever a new year approaches, I’m always looking back at the last year, wondering where it went. I know it’s good to take stock if you want to live intentionally.
The Bible tells us in Psalm 90:12
Teach us to number our days,
that we may gain a heart of wisdom.
You don’t have to live life feeling discouraged, defeated, and without purpose. Here are some ways to start a new year with purpose.
How to Start a New Year with Purpose
Choose one word or Bible verse to represent the year
For the past seven years, I’ve chosen one word to focus on for the new year. It’s a way of reminding myself of the personal goals and growth I’d like to accomplish for the year. Sort of a touchstone to come back to when life is tough. I also choose a memory verse (or several) to post around the house and around my desk. It can be a comfort and a motivation for you in the new year!
Need some help choosing a word of the year? Check out this cool word of the year generator!
Release what no longer serves your homeschool.
The new year is a beautiful time to let go — a curriculum that causes daily stress, a rigid schedule that no longer fits your kids, or unrealistic comparisons. Purpose begins with freedom. Recommended reading: Present Over Perfect by Shauna Niequist and The Best Yes by Lysa TerKeurst
Purposeful Homeschool Planning
Clarify your “why” for this season of homeschooling.
Rather than focusing on grade levels or checklists, ask: What kind of learners — and people — do I hope my children become this year? Let that vision guide your plans.
Set priorities, not perfection.
Choose 1–3 focus areas for your homeschool year (like reading aloud daily, strengthening math confidence, or creating calmer mornings). Everything else becomes optional.
Build margins into your homeschool rhythm.
Leave space for sick days, heart talks, rabbit trails, and rest. A purpose-driven homeschool values relationships more than rigid timelines.
Make a list of goals
It’s super easy to say what you’re going to do. However, starting a new year with purpose means that you actually do it. I call it being intentional. I can be intentional and follow through with goals by writing them down. I don’t mean writing them down and never seeing them again. I mean, writing them down, and finding an accountability partner to help me follow through. I have my long-term and short-term goals written down and posted next to my desk. I won’t let them control me, but I believe they’re important to living a life of purpose. Recommended reading: Pursue the Intentional Life by Jean Fleming
I’ve created My Purposeful Plans Goal Tracking Journal to help with this. You can get the digital version (printable pdf) in my store or buy the print version on Amazon.
Faith-Centered & Mindful Practices
Begin the year with prayer and reflection.
Spend time praying over each child, your role as a homeschool mom, and the year ahead. Write down specific hopes and entrust what you can’t control.
Create simple daily anchors.
A short morning routine — prayer, Scripture, poetry, or a read-aloud — helps center your home and gently sets the tone for the day.
Practice grace-filled goal setting.
Replace “I should” goals with life-giving intentions. Purpose grows when expectations are realistic and rooted in grace.
Family Connection & Growth
Choose a shared family goal or habit.
This might be nightly read-aloud time, weekly nature walks, kindness challenges, or family game nights. Purpose thrives in togetherness.
Invite your kids into the conversation.
Ask what they’re excited to learn this year, what feels hard, and what they hope for. Feeling heard helps children engage more deeply.
Plan for delight, not just academics.
Schedule time for joy — art days, field trips, hobbies, and rest. Delight fuels learning and keeps burnout at bay.
Sustainable Progress for Moms
Focus on consistency over intensity.
Small, faithful steps matter more than dramatic changes. A gentle, steady rhythm builds long-term purpose.
Protect your energy.
Purposeful homeschooling includes rest — for you. Plan breaks, quiet moments, and margins so you can pour from a full cup.
Remember: this is a season.
You don’t need to do everything this year. Purpose means embracing this chapter — not rushing to the next.
Starting a new year with purpose comes down to defining the type of person I want to be. I want to be an intentional person, don’t you?
I’d love to hear how you plan on starting a new year with purpose! Leave your comments below!
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Love this! As someone who’s started writing down 1-3 words to represent what I think God wants me to focus on for the year, I really appreciate what you’ve written and the book recommendations.
I’m so glad it was helpful! I like the idea of writing down focus words. Thanks for commenting! Happy New Year!