Accomplishing 2026 Resolutions

Welcome to 2026!

Each year, as this season rolls around, I can hardly believe another 12 months have passed. I always find myself a little more grateful as the year draws to a close and a little more hopeful as the new year begins. Maybe it’s because my excitement is still at its peak after countless holiday celebrations with my loved ones, or perhaps it’s just the eagerness to turn a new page and see what the year holds. Regardless of the reason, that excitement brings a rush of readiness to plan for the coming year.

What better way to prepare than by setting some New Year’s resolutions?

For many, these yearly resolutions range from exercising to saving money, eating out less, and spending time with family. For Christians, common resolutions may also include getting more involved in the church, daily Bible reading, or serving others in various capacities.

The question is, do people still really make New Year’s resolutions? And if they do, do they follow through?

Pew Research found that some did. In a 2024 survey on the topic, they found that 49% of 18- to 29-year-olds made at least one New Year’s resolution, while 31% of 30- to 49-year-olds did. They also found that among those under 30, 65% made a career-related resolution.

Meanwhile, Forbes reported in 2024 that when it comes to those setting such goals, “80% of respondents felt confident in achieving the goals that they set, while only 6% lacked such confidence.”

Based on this research, it seems several individuals start the new year with the umph and energy to make grand plans for the year to come.

Then reality hits.

In the same Forbes article, they also reported, “The Forbes Health/One Poll survey found that the average resolution lasts just 3.74 months. Only 8% of respondents tend to stick with their goals for one month, while 22% last two months, 22% last three months[,] and 13% last four months.”

It seems as though some of us can’t make it through the first month of the year fulfilling those very resolutions that we just set.

Why?

Because life is complex, complicated, and unpredictable.

How can we dare think about those trivial, silly resolutions when everything around us seems to be crumbling?

Go to the gym? Why would I do that when I can stay on the couch and watch reruns of my favorite show?

Setting an alarm on a Sunday morning? To go to church? Why, the bed is cozy after a long work week!

I am being a little sarcastic, but there is a lot of truth hidden in there.

Often, when it comes to carrying on those pesky goals we set at the beginning of the year, we lack the strength and endurance to finish strong – or even complete the next month.

But take heart, my friends!

I have discovered a way that we can accomplish any goal set before us – especially spiritual ones.

When it comes to honoring and daily serving Christ, choosing His will above our own can be challenging. In fact, some Sundays it really can take everything in us to get out of bed and attend church, because some weeks, life really does knock the wind out of us.

Thankfully, the Lord knew that it would be hard for us to accomplish anything on our own. I believe it is one of the multiple reasons He gave us the Bible as an encouragement to get us through such seasons of hardship.

Hebrews 12:1-3 says:

Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. (Emphasis added.)

Friends, this verse is the key to succeeding with our New Year’s resolutions or any of life’s goals.

Our resolution victories won’t come from buying the nicest planner or a top-dollar device to check off our to-do lists; they can only be achieved through determination and focus on the Lord. Without Him at the center, we will surely fail.

So we have a choice.

By heeding the call in Hebrews, we can run the race set before us and accomplish great things in our lives and for the kingdom. In doing so, and by keeping our focus on the One who gave His all, we don’t have to lose heart when things get challenging.

I pray that He will be your primary focus and delight as you begin 2026. After all, He is good all the time. And all the time, He is good.

Happy New Year!

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