As one year ends, and another begins, we often reflect on the previous and plan for the new. Many of us do this by making New Year’s resolutions. I used to make resolutions, but I found they were as easy to break as they were to make. I changed my method from rules to goals. I found setting goals felt like less pressure and gave me something to work toward.

However, each year I added more and more goals to my list. Last year, I set so many goals I can’t even remember them—goals regarding housework, study time, ministry, and health. I added goals of how many books I would read and new skills I would develop during the year. I was overenthusiastic about what I wanted to accomplish in 2025.

By March, I had tucked my goals away in my journal and forgotten them. (Maybe that’s what I did wrong. I should have hung them on the wall where I would see them every day.) Seriously, that probably wouldn’t have helped either.

While I think it is of value to set goals and remind ourselves of them often, I’m also learning that it is the motivation behind the goals which drives me. If my motivation is not strong enough, my goal will fall by the wayside.

As I reflect on 2025, I could regret and fret over the goals that were not accomplished. But I have decided to focus on my accomplishments. While many of my goals did not get accomplished, God accomplished a lot in my life. He did things I did not expect him to do. He allowed me to speak at several conferences, teach Sunday school each week, and meet many new ladies whom I now consider friends. I began writing blogs again, and I even wrote my first book. These were plans God had for me that I could not even conceive of to write as goals at the beginning of 2025.

Looking back on this, I have decided to approach 2026 with a different mindset. Instead of making a list of goals, I will focus on the one-thing principle. I challenge you to do the same thing. Even if you do set goals, let the one-thing principle determine the goals you set.

Let me explain by asking you a question. If you could focus only on one thing this year, what would it be? I’m not asking which of your goals is the most important. What I’m really asking is – what is the primary motivation for all you do? Providing for your family, making new friends, advancing in your career? All these can be worthy motivations, but I want you to go deeper. What makes these (or the motivations you thought of) worthy motivations?

For me, I have decided that the greatest motivation is pleasing Jesus, my Savior. All my goals and motivations should be based upon the ultimate motivation to please God. If a goal I set does not line up with the idea of pleasing Him, I must throw it out or modify it so that it does.

I encourage you to do the same. Whether you set resolutions, goals, or neither, spend some time thinking and praying about what your 2026 will look like. Ask God to have His way and lead you to do the things that please Him.

If we do this, I think we will find that at the end of 2026 we will have accomplished way more that we ever could have on our own. And I am certain that we will have accomplished more of kingdom value. What could be more important than doing His work?

Here’s to 2026! May God keep and bless us all. May we live this year for Him and be amazed at what He accomplishes through us.

In the next few blog posts, I will continue this discussion of the one-thing principle. For now, pray about how to set your mind to please Him above all else. If you want to set resolutions or goals, ask Him to help you set ones that are pleasing to Him.

I look forward to hearing what He accomplishes through you.