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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.

Practical ways to start a new year with purpose | goal setting for the new year

How to Start a New Year with Purpose

Diving into everything wholeheartedly

Instead of doing everything quickly just to check it off a to-do list, I want to do everything with purpose. Whether it is brushing my teeth or getting my kids to bed, I want to be present in the moment as much as I can, which requires focus. It’s making a choice to use my time and talents wisely. It’s also about making memories with my daughters. This is something I need to remind myself of, but it’s so worth it. Recommended reading: Present Over Perfect by Shauna Niequist

Make commitments I can keep

I’m tired of over-committing myself. You know, doing things that I don’t want to do, but say I will do anyway. When I say no to these type of activities, I’m saying yes to things I want. That may be time with my family or even time to myself. Making commitments I can’t keep only keeps me further away from my family and the goals I have for them. Saying no to some things means saying yes to the things that really matter. Recommended reading: The Best Yes by Lysa TerKeurst

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.

My Purposeful Plans Goal Tracking Journal
My Purposeful Plans goal tracking journal | softcover available on Amazon

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!

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!

How to start a new year with purpose | goal setting in the new year | tools to help you achieve your goals and encourage and inspire you
Sara
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3 Comments

  1. 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.

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