What are your goals or resolutions for the new year?” Has someone ever asked you this daunting question when a new year begins? I can already hear the responses. That question can leave you feeling anxious, indecisive, or even optimistic. Do not worry, there is nothing to be afraid of. Goals shouldn’t cause stress, but rather push and motivate you to be the best version of yourself. 

A new year brings opportunities for growth—opportunities to allow ourselves to step out of our comfort zones. You can choose to live and take steps each day towards freedom. Goals, or resolutions, allow you to experience life through trials and accomplishments. 

You might think this article is not for you or goals are not your thing. But truth is, goals are for everyone no matter how old you are. Keep these two questions in mind: How do I set goals, and how can I stick to them? Consider your perspective on not only creating, but also achieving goals for yourself. 

How to Set Goals

Reflect on what goals you would like to accomplish. Need examples? Hike more, write more, wake up at 6 a.m. to study devotions, meet with friends, find a mentor. 

Why do you want to reach your goals? Your “why” is your  motivation to fulfilling your goals. If you don’t have a why, your goal is only words with no actions, and this can set you up to fail. Start with an easy-to-accomplish goal, something that can be incorporated into your daily routine, like making your bed when you wake up, packing a lunch for school or work, reading a Bible passage every morning, etc. 

Science teaches you that your brain releases dopamine, a chemical that creates feelings of satisfaction, motivation, and productivity. When you accomplish one goal, your confidence and motivation grows. Jot down more of these goals. After meeting these easy-to-accomplish goals, start to think about long-term goals. These are goals that will take a long time—a dream, something you have been longing to do, like graduating from college, writing a song, traveling to a new country, etc. 

Hebrews 11:1 (NIV) says: “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” 

Setting goals can be scary. It requires us to step into the unknown, which requires faith. There are two elements of faith: confidence and assurance. Working toward your goals can encourage you to keep moving forth with faith, even when the outcome is not so clear. 

How to Stick to Your Goals

“When the going gets tough, the tough get going.” Strong people take action, especially in difficult situations. Goals can either build us up or destroy us. But you have the power to choose! You can reach some goals in a day, while other goals may take a while. 

Find an accountability partner or group. Surround yourself with people to remind, encourage and motivate you towards your goals. “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed” (Proverbs 15:22, NIV).   

Continue to have confidence in yourself. No one will have a greater desire of achieving your goal than you. There will be some bad moments but remember they are only temporary. Keep your head up and walk forward.

Stay patient. Someone once told me, it takes approximately six weeks to firmly establish a routine. Plant the seeds and lay the foundation. Keep working and you will see the harvest—you will see all your work come to life. 

“Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.”

2 Corinthians 9:6, NIV

Think about your faith and your relationship with Christ. Think about how far you have come. Your dedication, your commitment, your time. The same mentality we have in prioritizing our relationship with God can be the same mentality when it comes to our goals. Give yourself grace in this time of your life. Be patient with yourself. The world already has a different viewpoint of who you and what you should become. Christ wants you to grow. Christ wants you to be the best person He created you to be. Your goals, your dreams, your resolutions are for you and not anyone else. Allow yourself to feel victory and freedom in this life. You can do this. 

This article was originally titled “Dreams to Deeds” in the February 2025 issue of Peer Magazine.