137 | I'm Actually Excited About My New Year's Goals: How I'm Doing 2026 Differently
Digest
This podcast episode, hosted on CouchChart Coffee Cup and Hand, encourages Christian mothers to embrace New Year's resolutions with a focus on faith and personal growth. It highlights the opportunity for a fresh start, emphasizing prayer and seeking divine guidance as the foundational step in planning. The episode advocates for a shift from setting rigid goals to focusing on aspirations—who you want to become—and then developing a concrete, step-by-step plan to achieve them. Strategies include using a notes app for brainstorming, breaking down large goals into smaller, actionable tasks (illustrated with a postpartum example), and implementing sustainable habits like a weekly Sabbath. The host shares her personal journey of overcoming an "all-or-nothing" mindset, encouraging self-compassion and consistent re-evaluation. The episode concludes with the host sharing her personal vision for 2026, centered around the word "vibrant," and offering encouragement and prayer for listeners to live intentionally and glorify God in the new year.
Outlines
Introduction and Embracing New Year's Intentions
Welcome to Joy Field, where Christian moms are encouraged to thrive. This episode focuses on embracing New Year's resolutions, acknowledging past skepticism, and highlighting the fresh start and divine opportunity for resetting and realigning with God's plan.
Vision Casting and Prayer for Divine Guidance
Creating space for quiet reflection with God is crucial for planning and vision casting. The foundational step involves prayer, seeking God's guidance and direction to align personal aspirations with His divine plan.
Focusing on Aspirations and Developing Actionable Plans
The focus shifts to personal growth and transformation—who you want to become. This involves using tools like the notes app for brainstorming aspirations and developing a concrete plan with doable steps to make them a reality, moving beyond mere goal listing.
Sustainable Habits, Overcoming Mindsets, and Future Visioning
This section details breaking down goals into manageable steps, planning for sustainable practices like a weekly Sabbath, and overcoming the "all-or-nothing" mindset with self-compassion. It also covers visioning for the future through a zoomed-out and zoomed-in approach, learning from inspiring individuals, and consistent re-evaluation for staying on track.
Personal Vision for 2026 and Intentional Planning Framework
The importance of vision and goal setting, especially for mothers, is emphasized. The host shares her personal word for the year, "vibrant," her vision statement, and specific goals, including launching a YouTube channel. The episode provides a framework for intentional New Year planning, focusing on controllables and bringing glory to God, concluding with encouragement and prayer.
Keywords
New Year's Resolutions
Intentions or goals set at the beginning of a new year, often focused on self-improvement or breaking bad habits. They represent a desire for personal change and a fresh start.
Goal Setting
The process of identifying specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) objectives. Effective goal setting involves planning, action, and regular review.
Vision Casting
The process of articulating a clear and compelling picture of a desired future. It involves defining aspirations and setting a direction for personal or organizational growth.
Prayer and Divine Guidance
Seeking spiritual direction and wisdom through communication with God. This involves asking for guidance in decision-making and life planning.
Sustainable Habits
Practices or routines that can be consistently maintained over the long term without causing burnout. They are crucial for achieving lasting personal change.
All-or-Nothing Mindset
A cognitive distortion where individuals see things in black and white, with no middle ground. This can lead to perfectionism and discouragement when small mistakes occur.
Personal Growth
The ongoing process of self-improvement and self-discovery. It involves developing one's potential, skills, and self-awareness to become a better version of oneself.
Intentional Living
A conscious and purposeful approach to life, where actions and decisions are aligned with one's values and goals. It involves being mindful and proactive in shaping one's life.
Christian Motherhood
Encouragement and practical advice for mothers grounded in Christian faith, focusing on nurturing family, faith, and personal well-being.
Abundant Life
Living a life filled with purpose, joy, and fulfillment, often understood through a spiritual lens as a gift from God.
Q&A
What is the recommended first step for planning and setting goals for the new year?
The recommended first step is to engage in prayer and seek divine guidance. Ask God to direct your path, speak to you, and align your dreams with His plan for the year ahead.
How can one avoid feeling overwhelmed when setting New Year's goals?
Avoid overwhelm by breaking down large goals into smaller, manageable steps. Focus on implementing a few sustainable habits at a time, gradually adding more as they become second nature.
What is the significance of having a "word for the year"?
A "word for the year" serves as a guiding principle or theme that encapsulates aspirations and intentions. It can provide focus and direction throughout the year.
How can someone overcome an "all-or-nothing" approach to goal setting?
Overcome the "all-or-nothing" mindset by practicing self-compassion. Acknowledge that setbacks are part of the process, forgive yourself, and focus on getting back on track rather than giving up entirely.
Why is it important for mothers to set goals and have vision?
Mothers set the spiritual tone for their homes. Having vision and setting goals allows them to be intentional about their direction, ensuring they are moving forward and making the most of precious time with their families.
Show Notes
This year, we’re doing things differently.
If you’ve ever felt behind before the year even starts... or sworn off resolutions completely because they never seem to stick — this episode is for you. In today’s episode, I'm walking you through a gentle, faith-filled approach to planning your year. Not one that piles on more pressure, but one that invites peace, presence, and God into the process.
I’ll share how I’m vision-casting for 2026, the simple method that’s keeping me grounded, and how to break free from the all-or-nothing spiral so many of us fall into come January.
In this episode:
• the real reason most new year goals don’t work (and how to change that)
• how to create a God-centered vision you’ll actually carry through the year
• my favorite framework for building rhythms that last
• how to stop making goals from a place of shame or striving
• choosing a word, verse, and vision statement with meaning
Joy For The Journey: a free 3 day devotional for moms in the trenches
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