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Stop making New Years Goals: Do These 3 Things Instead.

Writer's picture: Datha WhitfieldDatha Whitfield

Updated: Dec 30, 2024


As we step into a New Year, it's easy to get swept up in setting ambitious goals and making long lists of resolutions. But what if this year, you approached it differently- by focusing on what truly matters? Instead of chasing fleeting goals, here are three steps for building a foundation for lasting change.


Get in the Word of God


At the close of 2023, I sat in a church service where my pastor—who also happens to be my son-in-law—issued a challenge for the coming year. He shared five steps to improve our lives, but while I can’t recall the first four, step #5 struck a deep chord: “Get in the Word.”


Its simplicity captivated me, and its truth convicted me. Though I spent my mornings with journals and books, I realized what I was missing. That challenge became my lifeline through the most difficult year of my life. Every morning, I opened the Bible, and it sustained me. It breathed life into me, lifted my burdens, eased my stress, and gave me hope. The Word saved me—again and again.


It can do the same for you. Don’t wait. Get in the Word.


Practice Thankfulness


We’ve all heard about the importance of gratitude, but have we truly embraced it? Scripture challenges us in 1 Thessalonians 5:18: “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”


Gratitude is easy when life is good, but expressing thankfulness during hard times is where real growth happens. This year, I paired that verse with a shift in perspective, and it transformed everything.

• After a long, exhausting day, I whispered, “Thank you, Jesus, for my comfortable bed.”

• When my husband was unemployed and stress was high, I prayed, “Thank you, Jesus, for meeting our needs.”

• In chaotic moments, I breathed, “Thank you, Jesus, for quiet mornings with coffee.”


When you choose gratitude in difficult times, you activate God’s promises and strengthen your faith. Try it—you’ll be amazed by the blessings that follow.


Connect


God designed us for community, yet many of us are too “busy” to nurture the relationships that truly matter. We were created for connection—life-giving, Christ-centered relationships where encouragement replaces gossip and support replaces criticism.


This year, prioritize connection. Join a small group, attend a retreat, or simply invite someone to coffee. When you meet someone who feels like a kindred spirit, write down their name, commit to pray for them, and make time to nurture the relationship.


Invest in meaningful connections. It will be one of the most rewarding choices you’ll ever make.


This year, forget fleeting resolutions. Focus on these three simple yet powerful practices: Get in the Word. Practice Thankfulness. Connect. They’ll change your life.











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