Becoming Over Doing: A Different Way to Approach the New Year

As the new year approaches, it's natural to feel the pull of setting goals, writing resolutions, and diving headfirst into change. There's something about turning the calendar to January 1st that makes us feel like we need to "get it together" overnight. But what if this year, we did things differently?

Becoming > Doing

Goals are great. They give us direction and purpose. But the truth is, achieving goals isn't just about checking boxes—it's about becoming the kind of person who lives those goals out naturally. Instead of focusing solely on what you want to accomplish this year, ask yourself: Who do I want to become?

For example, if your goal is to have a more organized home, think about what kind of habits an organized person would have. They might consistently put things away, declutter regularly, or create systems that work for their family. Rather than diving into decluttering on January 1st, you can begin with a simple question: What small step can I take today to start building that habit?

Transformation doesn't happen in a single day or even a single year. It's a process and focusing on who you're becoming allows you to grow sustainably and with grace.

Winter Is for Rest

There's another piece to this puzzle: winter is a season of slowing down. The cold weather and shorter days naturally invite us to rest, reflect, and recharge. It’s normal to feel like hibernating—and it's okay to honor that rhythm.

You don’t have to jump into massive changes just because the calendar says it's a new year. January doesn’t have to mean full speed ahead. In fact, allowing yourself to ease into the year with rest and intention may be the most productive thing you can do. There’s nothing special about January 1st.

Reflect with Purpose

Before you think about the year ahead, take some time to reflect on the past year. What worked? What didn’t? What brought you joy or challenged you? Reflection helps us move forward with clarity and intention.

To make this process easier, I’ve created a printable tool with thoughtful questions to guide your reflection. Download it here and carve out some quiet time to sit with these questions. You might be surprised by what comes up!

A Gentle Start

Instead of forcing yourself into high-energy action as soon as the ball drops, consider taking these steps:

1. Reflect: Look back on the past year. What brought you joy? What challenged you? What lessons did you learn? The download above would be great for this ☺️

2. Envision: Think about who you want to become in this season of life. Let that guide your intentions for the year to come. A word for the year is great for this!

3. Rest: Give yourself permission to ease into January. Let winter be a time of preparation for growth, not a race to the finish line.

Choose a Word for the Year

Another meaningful way to prepare for the year ahead is by choosing a word for the year. This word serves as an overarching theme or focus—an anchor for your intentions. It’s a simple yet powerful way to guide your decisions and keep your priorities in view.

Think about what you want more of in your life or what you’d like to let go of. Maybe your word is peace, reminding you to cultivate calm amidst the chaos. Or perhaps it’s growth, encouraging you to embrace challenges as opportunities. Whatever word you choose, let it inspire you to align your actions with the kind of life you want to build.

Practical Preparation for the Year Ahead

While winter is a time for rest, I also find joy in taking small, practical steps to prepare for the year ahead. These aren’t big changes—just little things that help me feel organized and ready to welcome what’s next. Here are a couple of my favorite ways to start fresh:

1. Purchase a new planner: There’s something about opening a blank planner that feels full of possibility. I use mine to jot down appointments, goals, and even small wins throughout the year. This is the one I use.

2. Update the family calendar: A fresh calendar for the refrigerator keeps everyone on the same page. Whether it’s for meal planning, sports schedules, or reminders, it’s a tool I use daily to keep our home running smoothly. Here is the one I like.

These steps might seem simple, but they bring a sense of order that sets the tone for the months ahead.

I also have a wall calendar that is weekly that I fill out every week to keep my family focused on each of their responsibilities that week and the dinner menu. If you want to learn more about that, check out my blog post here.

Grace for the Journey

As you prepare for the new year, remember that growth isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. Becoming the person you want to be is a journey, and it’s one you don’t have to rush.

So, take a deep breath, cozy up with a warm drink, and let this new year be one of gentle, meaningful growth. Your future self will thank you.