Pressing On: Keeping Your New Years Resolutions with Grace and Faith

The New Year has officially settled in, and here we are, three weeks deep into January. How’s it going with those resolutions? If you’re still hanging tight to your goals, high-five! And if you’re feeling that mid-January slump creeping in, you should know that it’s not just you. It’s easy to lose the momentum of the exciting New Year hustle & bustle. But remember, “New Year New You” is a complete load of…………..…you know. True transformation doesn’t happen overnight, so give yourself some grace. It’s a journey, not a race!

First things first: Change doesn’t happen overnight. I know, I know, this is isn’t the Instagram-worthy, instant-gratification answer we’d all love to hear. But it’s the truth. We aren’t chasing our goals for other people or to brag…we are chasing our goals for our own well-being and God’s will for our lives. Transformation- whether it’s losing weight, growing in faith, saving money, or even just keeping up with a gratitude journal- takes time, effort, and grace. You didn’t get here in a day, and you won’t arrive at your destination in a week. And guess what? That’s okay! God isn’t looking at your timeline; He’s looking at your heart and your effort.

Let’s dive into some practical and faith-filled ways to keep the momentum going and make those resolutions stick.

1. Start with Grace, Not Guilt

You’re not perfect- and spoiler alert, no one expects you to be. Romans 3:23 reminds us, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” So when you miss a workout or slip up on your eating plan, don’t beat yourself up. Offer yourself the same grace Jesus gives you daily. Progress isn’t about being flawless; it’s about being faithful. Can I be honest? I’ve been saying I was quitting vapes for 3 months now. I am falling short every day. I’ve thrown them away and then two days later I’m back and buying another one. Give yourself some grace. Life is not a race. Period.

2. Break It Down

Big goals can feel like mountains, but mountains are climbed one step at a time. If your resolution feels overwhelming, break it into bite-sized pieces. Instead of saying, “I’ll read the entire Bible this year,” start with, “I’ll read one chapter a day.” Small, consistent actions lead to big results. Zechariah 4:10 reminds us, “Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin.” Personally, this is one of my favorite verses. I have a goal to read the entire bible this year, and while I’ve read most of it, I started new with a 1-year bible that I’ve read every day since the beginning of the year. I love that it breaks it down daily, it’s so much more easily digestible to be…because looking at the whole thing and left to my own devices- I’m overwhelmed and struggling.

3. Lean on Accountability

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 says, “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.” Don’t go at it alone. Share your goals with a friend, join a small group, or partner with someone who can cheer you on and hold you accountable. There’s power in community- and it makes the journey a lot more fun! I started the 1-year bible with my spouse. We annotate with our own colored highlighters and honestly, it’s made it fun! Yes, I know- the Bible isn’t about having fun. But I’m an ADHD girlie and I’m doing my best to digest the word of God. I have my own pretty pink bible that I enjoy in my downtime, but sharing this journey with a close loved one has made it exciting. I think it will be so great to re-read it next year and see how we’ve grown and in what ways God has spoken to us differently. The word is ALIVE! I love having and being apart of so many different bible studies, both privately and with groups/others, it’s so exciting and fun!

4. Focus on the Why

When the excitement wears off and the work gets hard, it’s easy to want to throw in the towel. That’s when you need to pause and revisit your “why.” Why did you set this resolution in the first place? Maybe it’s to be healthier for your family, grow closer to God, or manage your finances so you can give more generously. Keeping your why front and center can reignite your passion when the grind feels heavy.

5. Invite God into Your Goals

This might be the most important tip of all. So often, we make resolutions and try to muscle through them on our own strength. But Philippians 4:13 reminds us, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Pray over your goals. Ask God for wisdom, perseverance, and joy in the process. Trust that He’s walking with you every step of the way.

6. Celebrate the Wins- Big and Small

Every step forward is worth celebrating. Did you save $100 this month toward your goal? Amazing! Did you make it to church three Sundays in a row? That’s awesome! Don’t wait until the finish line to recognize your progress. Thank God for each victory along the way, no matter how small it may seem.

7. Remember the Bigger Picture

At the end of the day, resolutions aren’t just about checking boxes or achieving milestones. They’re about becoming the person God created you to be. Growth isn’t just about what you accomplish—it’s about how you’re transformed in the process. 2 Corinthians 3:18 says, “And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.”

So here’s your challenge for this week: Keep going. Keep showing up. Keep leaning into the grace, strength, and love of Jesus. Whether you’re sprinting or crawling, movement is movement. And with God’s help, you’ll get there. Remember, friend—you’re not just chasing resolutions; you’re chasing Him. And that’s a journey worth every ounce of effort.