New Year, New Me? Not Necessarily

New Year, New Me? Not Necessarily.

“New year, new me” is something I’ve seen and heard a lot this past week. But does the start of a new year really mean we have to become someone entirely different? I don’t think so.

For many, the new year serves as a natural check-in point—a time to reflect on what was accomplished over the past year and, perhaps, what wasn’t. It’s an opportunity to pause, take stock, and set intentions for the future.

I know you’ve seen it, just like I have: vision boards filling your feed and lists of New Year’s resolutions shared with the best intentions of creating a better life. These tools can be powerful for focusing on what matters, but they don’t mean you have to discard everything from last year to start fresh.

Maybe your 2024 was the best year of your life, the hardest year yet, or—like mine—a mix of growth, learning, goodbyes, and new beginnings.

The process of growth reminds me of building a brick road. Each year or chapter adds a new layer. If you’re constantly ripping up old bricks and materials because they weren’t perfect, you’ll never build a path sturdy enough to walk on. Growth and progress don’t come from starting over but from making peace with what’s already there and learning to add on.

When I made resolutions without a plan, it felt like searching for buried treasure without a map—exciting at first, but quickly frustrating. I’ve learned that growth doesn’t require grand declarations; it’s about intentional, small steps that guide you forward.

A few years ago, I stepped away from making New Year’s resolutions. While they always came from a place of good intentions, I often found myself without a clear plan or the resources to achieve them. It felt like being a little kid searching for pirate treasure without a map.

Instead, I started creating a word of the year. This approach helps me focus on setting intentions rather than rigid goals. Since adopting this mindset, I’ve chosen words like resilience and self. For 2025, my word is flourish.

Choosing a word of the year alleviates some of the pressure to be perfect or 100% consistent. It also provides space to honor the Lord and His plans for my life. This way of thinking has helped me grow while leaving room for grace.

This year, rather than trying to become someone entirely new, I’m focusing on building on the foundation I’ve already laid. The journey isn’t about perfection; it’s about progress. Over the past year, I’ve spent a lot of time creating new beginnings and rediscovering myself, and I’m excited to continue flourishing in the year ahead.