Do you make New Year’s resolutions? Did you know that the majority of resolutions are abandoned by mid-February? If that’s you, you’re not alone!

More often than not, New Year’s resolutions are made without a solid plan to accomplish them. It takes a doable plan broken down into small steps to achieve a goal.

But it can be hard to sit down in front of a blank page or screen and write out a plan—especially a plan for your spiritual life and growth. Here are ten questions to help you get started by reflecting on the past year and preparing for the year ahead.

Reflecting on the Past Year

While it can feel discouraging to look back at the ways you didn’t reach your goals last year, I’d encourage you to look for the small wins along the way. Growth is a slow, messy process. It’s often two steps forward, one step back. Reflection on the past—and what you want to do differently, or the same as before—is the first step to moving forward.

1. GROWTH

How have I grown closer to God in the past year?

2. TRUTH

What truth about God have I embraced this year?

3. LOVE

How have I experienced God’s loving presence this year?

4. STRATEGY

In what ways has God helped me to be an overcomer this past year?

5. PRAYER

What prayer(s) has God answered this year?

Planning for the Year Ahead

It’s often easier to look ahead in anticipation rather than look back in reflection. But that doesn’t mean anticipation alone can bring a goal to fruition. Take the information you gained from your time of reflection. Combine that with the answers from the following, thought provoking questions, and you will be able to create a plan that will lead you towards accomplishing your spiritual goals.

6. PRAYER

What prayer am I called to keep praying into the new year?

7. SURRENDER

What is one thing I am holding on to that God is asking me to surrender to Him in the year to come?

8. ACTION

What is one action I can take to grow closer to God this year?

9. FAITH

What is God asking me to step out in faith and say “yes” to? In faith, what is He asking me to say “no” to?

10. GROWTH

What is a fruit of the Spirit I want to grow in this year?

What are your spiritual goals for 2023? How have these questions helped you create a plan to reach your goals? Would you like help outlining your spiritual goals and plan for 2023? If so, book a goal-setting session with Caran now!