“You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great.” — Zig Ziglar

As the calendar turns to a new year, many people feel inspired to start fresh and pursue new ambitions. This tradition of making New Year’s resolutions is more than a cultural ritual—it’s a powerful tool for personal and professional growth. At the heart of these resolutions lies an essential principle: goal setting.

I have been setting and achieving goals as long as I can remember. This includes the fun and challenge of setting New Year’s Resolutions.

“You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” — C.S. Lewis

Why Setting Goals Matters

Goals provide direction and clarity. Without them, it’s easy to drift through life without a sense of purpose. When you set clear objectives, you create a roadmap that guides your decisions and actions. Goals help you:

• Focus Your Energy: Instead of scattering efforts, you concentrate on what truly matters.
• Measure Progress: Goals give you benchmarks to track improvement and celebrate milestones.
• Stay Motivated: A defined target fuels persistence, even when challenges arise.

“The first step towards getting somewhere is to decide you’re not going to stay where you are.” — J. P. Morgan

The Power of New Year’s Resolutions

New Year’s resolutions symbolize hope and renewal. They encourage reflection on past achievements and shortcomings, offering an opportunity to reset priorities. While many resolutions fail due to lack of planning, those grounded in realistic, measurable goals often succeed.

“The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.” — Walt Disney

How to Set Effective Goals

1. Be Specific: Vague goals like “get healthier” lack clarity. Instead, aim for “exercise three times a week.”
2. Make Them Measurable: Define success with numbers or milestones.
3. Ensure They’re Achievable: Ambition is good, but unrealistic goals lead to frustration.
4. Stay Relevant: Align goals with your values and long-term vision.
5. Set a Time Frame: Deadlines create urgency and accountability.

“Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.” — Robert Collier

Faith and Purpose

For many, goal setting is not just practical—it’s spiritual. Scriptures like Proverbs 16:3 (“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans”) remind us that aligning our ambitions with faith brings peace and confidence.

“Where there is no vision, the people perish; but happy is he who keeps the teaching.” –  Proverbs 29:18

“Write the vision; make it plain… he may run who reads it.” — Habakkuk 2:2–3

“The plans of the diligent lead to profit…” — Proverbs 21:5

Setting goals and making resolutions isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. Each step forward, no matter how small, moves you closer to the life you envision. As you enter the new year, take time to reflect, plan, and commit to goals that inspire growth and purpose.

Every year, I challenge myself with a bold, rhymed hashtag theme—something that sparks energy and keeps me accountable. Each theme comes with a clear plan, actionable steps, and measurable goals. Here are a few from past years:

• #GetFitAndStayFit
• #BetterYouAndMeIn2023
• #BeMoreIn2024
• #ApplyTheHealthy5In2025

For 2026, my mantra is: #ResetAndFixIn2026—because this year is all about renewal, growth, getting back on a disciplined routine, and making things right.

Now it’s your turn! What’s your vision for the year ahead? What goals will push you to become your best self? Drop your resolutions in the comments—let’s inspire each other to make 2026 our most impactful year yet!

~ DW