As the clock ticks toward a brand-new year, there’s this special sense of excitement in the air—a fresh start, a clean slate, and endless possibilities.
But here’s the thing: without a clear target, it’s easy to drift through the year, feeling busy but not really moving forward.
Imagine you’re driving a car with no destination in mind. Sure, the journey might feel adventurous at first, but eventually, you’ll burn fuel, waste time and energy without getting anywhere meaningful. Life works the same way. When you set goals, you’re giving yourself a destination—a reason to wake up with purpose each day and make steady progress toward something meaningful.
The Scripture made it clear that we need to “Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so he may run who reads it” (Habakkuk 2:2). That’s a reminder that having a clear vision helps us stay focused, motivated, and intentional.
So, why not make the next year different?
I believe desiring a change begins with identifying the areas of your life that need an upgrade; the ones you know require your attention and improvement. In this post, I’m sharing five key areas where most people long for change, along with some book recommendations to help guide your growth.
Are you ready to chart your course for the year? Let’s dive in!
1. Spiritual Growth
It is noteworthy that our spiritual life is the foundation for everything else. Growing spiritually means deepening your relationship with God. It isn’t just about ticking off a checklist of religious activities. A deeper connection with God provides direction and purpose. It helps you live beyond the day-to-day hustle and see the bigger picture of His plan for your life.
You could start by dedicating 15-30 minutes each morning to reading the Bible and journaling your reflections. I can tell you for free that journaling helps a lot. I have practiced this for years, and the results has been amazing.
You could as well aim to complete a one-year reading plan by December 31. There are lots of template online that could help with this.
Practical Step: Find a devotional or Bible app that fits your season of life. You could also join a Bible study group for added accountability. An audio Bible app could also help; I recommend Bible.is.
“Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you” (James 4:8).
Book Suggestion:
- The Holy Bible (Strongly Recommended)
- “Knowing God Intimately” by Joyce Meyer
2. Personal Development
One statement I always like to share is this: No one should drive you better than you. The only true competitor you have is yourself. This means striving each day to be a better version of who you were yesterday. Every year presents new opportunities to grow, improve, and evolve to become a better version of yourself. Think about areas where you’ve felt stuck or dreamed of improvement. In this year, challenge yourself to grow mentally, emotionally, and professionally. Invest in the skills, habits, and mindset that help you thrive. Set a personal growth goal, this could be starting journaling (if it’s new to you), or doing it more often, joining a music or a dance class, improving time management, or facing a fear.
Look for resources – podcasts, webinars, or courses – whichever works best for you. Set a specific time and day to do this. Stay consistent on it, the outcome will amaze you.
Book Suggestions:
- “Atomic Habits” by James Clear (Strongly recommended)
- “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen R. Covey: Timeless principles for personal and interpersonal effectiveness.
3. Health & Wellness
Saying “health is wealth” isn’t a cliche. Your health is one of your greatest assets. Without it, pursuing other goals becomes much harder. A healthy body and mind enable you to live fully, serve others, and pursue your goals with energy and focus. Prioritizing wellness doesn’t have to mean big, intimidating changes. Small, consistent habits can make a world of difference.
It could start with as simple as exercising for 10-30 minutes, three times a week; taking a short daily walk; replacing soda with water; increasing water intake; or even dancing in your living room. Intentionally add more fruits, vegetables, and nuts to your diet.
NOTE: Staying hydrated is a fundamental aspect of maintaining good health, and ignoring it can hinder your body’s ability to function at its best. Water supports nearly every function in your body. It helps maintain your body temperature, aids digestion, flushes out toxins, supports joint health, and keeps your skin healthy. Without enough water, your energy levels drop, your organs can become overworked, and you might experience headaches, fatigue, or difficulty concentrating.
Tip to drink more water: Always make sure you have a water bottle within reach throughout the day. To make it even more enjoyable, try adding some refreshing fruits like watermelon, lime, or lemon.
Start small and be realistic. Tiny changes add up!
Book Suggestions:
- “The Daniel Plan” by Rick Warren, Dr. Daniel Amen, and Dr. Mark Hyman
- “Eat Smarter” by Shawn Stevenson: A guide to improving your health and energy through better nutrition.
4. Relationship Building
There is an adage in my dialect that means “A tree cannot make a forest“. We were created for connection. Good relationships bring joy and encouragement. Does that mean it will be free from offence? Absolutely, not! But relationships also teach us patience, forgiveness, and love – the heart of Christ’s message. This year, be intentional about strengthening existing relationships and building new, meaningful ones. Emphasis on meaningful!
A quick call or message to a loved one can go a long way.
Forgive freely, know that carrying grudges weighs you down more than the other person.
Writing a list of people you want to reconnect with could help. Set phone reminders to check in with them regularly – whether through a text, call, or visit. This has helped me a lot.
Book Suggestions:
- “The Five Love Languages” by Gary Chapman (Strongly Recommended)
- “Crucial Conversations” by Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan, and Al Switzler: Master the art of having meaningful and impactful conversations.
5. Financial Literacy
When we talk about money or finances, what comes to your mind?
Money isn’t just about paying bills. Managing money wisely is an important part of living intentionally. It’s not about hoarding wealth but about being a good steward of what God has given you. Financial health allows you to support your family, pursue dreams, and give generously to causes that matter to you.
This is why it’s essential to create a budget that tracks both your income and expenses. By doing so, you can identify areas where you can cut back and make smarter financial decisions, ensuring that your money is working for you and not against you.
You could also decide to save a particular amount first before spending. At the end of the year, you’d be amazed at what you’ve been able to put together.
There’s no magic formula – poor financial planning inevitably leads to financial struggle/crisis. Without a clear plan, you risk falling into poverty, as your resources are mismanaged or stretched too thin. Smart, intentional budgeting is the key to financial stability and growth.
Book Suggestions:
- “Rich Dad Poor Dad” by Robert T. Kiyosaki (Strongly Recommended)
- “Your Money or Your Life” by Vicki Robin and Joe Dominguez
Let me leave you with this reminder…
God has great plans for your life. Always trust Him for inspiration, set your targets, and go after them with purpose and faith.
You’ve got this!
This is profound. Thank you ma’am.
Thank you!
Impactful.