Until this year began, specifically the first Sunday of the year, I had no goals for what I wanted to achieve. Many people entered the new year with clear resolutions, I didn't. I remember starting 2025 with several goals, yet by the end of that year, I could not confidently say that I achieved even half of them. Instead of improving, I simply just started into the new year without direction.
Everything changed for me after the first Sunday of 2026. That day, I found a motto to live by for the year. Because of how intentional it requires me to be, my journey since the beginning of the year has been filled with both learning and unlearning. My motto for the year is simple but deep: Year 2026 is my year of Divine Guidance.
Since adopting this mindset, I have noticed a major shift in how I make decisions. I can hardly make any important decision now without first talking to God about it. It was never like this before, or perhaps it only happened occasionally. In the first few months of the year, I have already accomplished more than I expected compared to last year. I am still working to make these changes a habit because old habits do not disappear easily. However, the results I am seeing encourage me to keep going unchanging.
What I Am Learning...
Seeking God's guidance before making major decisions.
I am learning to pause before acting and to ask God for direction instead of relying completely on my own thoughts. This practice is still new for me, but it has already started changing how I approach my plans and decisions because I've seen God's ways manifest a lot when I seek Him.
Loving myself and moving at my own pace.
One surprising realization this year is that none of my current goals resemble the ones I failed to achieve last year. I eventually understood that many of my past goals were influenced by pressure, comparison, and the desire to fit in. Now I am learning to focus on what truly matters to me while protecting my peace, it's amazing.
Using positive words regularly about myself.
Another important lesson this year has been learning to speak kindly about myself. I realized that I used to talk down on myself more often than I noticed. Now I am intentionally replacing those words with positive ones and accepting kind compliments from others about me better.
Building habits that support growth.
I started keeping a journal for the year 2026 where I record my thoughts and daily experiences. This simple practice has helped me more than I expected. I have also started listening to podcasts and watching videos that encourage personal growth, I rarely did before.
What I Am Unlearning...
Acting only on my own thoughts, Setting goals because of pressure or comparison and Talking down on myself. I'm unlearning all of that for me.
A long-standing habit that reduced my self-worth.
There is also a small but unhealthy habit I have struggled with for many years. I cannot share exactly what it is, but it slowly affected my sense of self-worth without me realizing it. Since committing to my motto for the year, I have been working on breaking that habit. I still struggle at times, but I have drastically reduced the attention I give to it. I feel free from it, and with more discipline, I believe it will lose it's hold on me.
The Journey Continues...
The year is still fresh, yet I have already experienced meaningful progress in my habits, mindset, and way of life. The journey of learning and unlearning continues, and I am looking forward to everything that lies ahead. I can already tell that when the year 2026 comes to an end, I will have many more stories to share about how this new path shaped my life for the better.
Images used are AI generated.