I Want to Change My Life This Year — But I’m Afraid I’ll Fall Back Again
I know what it feels like to be inspired by the magic of a new year.
The warmth of the holidays is still in the air, and January always feels like the perfect time for a fresh start. It’s a time where everything feels possible and you finally believe you can become who you’ve always wanted to be.
I don’t know about you, but I have Pinterest boards for every area of my life. My wardrobe. My wellness. My apartment. My relationship with God. It’s such a fun and inspiring way to see all the things I desire in one place. It reminds me of what’s possible when I truly set my mind to something.
There’s a life I’ve dreamed of for a long time. A life where my wardrobe feels put together and reflective of who I am. Where I’m doing what I love for a living — writing full-time and helping other women live their best lives in Christ. Where my health is strong, my body feels supported, my confidence is steady, and I genuinely love the life I’m living.
And I think we all have at least one dream like that. One that never really leaves us, even when seasons are hard and progress feels slow.
There’s a feeling I can’t quite explain that fills me with excitement when I think about pursuing my dreams and finally making them happen. Because deep down, I know I can. And I especially know I can with God on my side (Matthew 19:26).
But if I’m honest, the past few years have been confusing. I’ve had dreams that didn’t come true. Not only once, but over and over again. And that led to an internal battle I couldn’t seem to shake:
Is it God’s timing?
Or is it me?
Do I block my own blessings because I lack discipline?
Do I not see fruit in the areas I’ve prayed for because I’m not showing up the way I should?
For a long time, that was the war in my mind.
And the answer I’ve come to is this: no.
The world will tell you that it’s your fault you’re not where you want to be yet. And while personal responsibility matters, that isn’t the full truth. God’s timing matters. His plan matters. And He has purpose for you even when your life doesn’t look the way you thought it would by now.
What God has shown me, especially going into this year, is that the disconnect between me and my goals wasn’t laziness or lack of discipline. It was pressure.
I was setting goals without honoring my unique design. My schedule. My responsibilities. My calling. The things I need to feel my best.
I kept pushing myself to be a version of me that didn’t exist: the girl who woke up earlier, did more, worked nonstop, and never allowed herself rest. So every January, I’d set big, ambitious goals and chase them with fire and excitement… until February came.
The to-do list started going unchecked.
My wake-up time got pushed later and later.
Burnout set in.
And because I didn’t have grace for myself, I’d give up entirely.
I told myself I wasn’t disciplined enough. That I didn’t have what it took to become an entrepreneur. That I was falling short. All lies from the enemy meant to keep me from pursuing my purpose and building a life I love.
With another year just a few days away, I will say that the new year is a beautiful time to reflect and reassess. It’s powerful to believe that change is possible. But I promise that real, lasting change doesn’t come from pressure. It comes from soft discipline.
Grace-filled discipline.
Consistency without self-punishment.
Small commitments that rebuild trust and confidence within yourself.
Going on a daily walk matters, even if its only for five minutes.
Waking up by 9:00am matters.
Moving your body. Nourishing yourself. Showing up in small ways.
These things are not insignificant. In the grand scheme of things, they are foundational.
When you focus on small, sustainable habits, you begin to build confidence. You start to believe in yourself again. And that belief is what allows you to show up for bigger goals over time.
For me, 2026 is the year of soft discipline.
And I know it’s going to change everything.
If you’ve fallen short of your goals in the past and want this year to be different, this might be the approach you’ve been missing too.
God has so much goodness in store for you.
Embrace your uniqueness.
Honor the season you’re in.
Go after what’s been placed on your heart but stay rooted in grace.
I’m excited for what this year will bring.
I’m praying blessings over your life and your journey.
Go reach your full potential.
Happy New Year!
