Reset Instead of Making Resolutions

I love this time of year. The quiet pause, the feeling of a clean slate and the hope that change is possible. It is common for ideas to start swirling about how we can reinvent and become better versions of ourselves. I have absolutely leaned into that energy before; creating resolutions with the best of intentions. Making those lists can be really fun as we plan for the year ahead.

Maybe it’s because I have had more “cry in my car” moments lately or maybe it’s because I just don’t have the energy for some fun and inspiring list; but this year I am simply taking the opportunity to reset.

Instead of making a list and striving towards something, resetting will hopefully allow me to return to the habits that make me feel grounded or at least like less of a crazy and unorganized person which is how I currently feel most of the time. A reset doesn’t require perfection or some dramatic switch up to my current routine. It will allow me to be honest with myself about what is working, what isn’t working, and what are the things that I need to re-shift to put focus back into.

A reset can give permission to let go of what no longer fits without then having to replace it with something unrealistic to check off a resolutions list.

My plans to reset also include plans to give myself grace. To reflect in a realistic way that doesn’t end up adding stress. To meet myself where I am and for being ok when things don’t go perfectly. My personality can lean type A and that can get the best of me and lead to putting unnecessary pressure on myself.

Putting pressure on myself is what often causes those tears in the comfort of my drivers’ seat. While I know that 2026 will absolutely have moments of feeling overwhelmed just like any other year, I am hopeful that resetting will set me up to take things in better stride.

While I am not making a resolutions list, I am making a different kind of list. A list of the things that seem to push me over the edge. I think this will help me as I reset and reflect. While I have not made the list yet, I anticipate it is going to have things that seem so silly but are actual stressors in my life.

Things like laundry. Laundry stresses me out. I hate being behind on it. My husband will help but then I hate how he folds things, especially towels. I recognize how trivial this is. I recognize some may read this and think I am crazy for not just being grateful that I have a husband who will do laundry. But I can’t help it, it still adds to my plate of stress at times.

Another one is meal planning. When I do it right, it makes me incredibly happy. But on weeks I fail, I will let it absolutely consume me. Yes, another one that ultimately isn’t a big deal, but I often let it stress me out.

I think an honest list will help me as I reflect and reset. To take a pause and acknowledge God is at work with me.

Be still, and know that I am God (Psalm 46:10)

I can do all this through him who gives me strength (Philippians 4:13)

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for peace and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11)

As we enter the new year, are you feeling stressed over things like resolutions? Or maybe you are in a year of feeling motivated by a list of resolutions and ways to really ring in new year new you!

God, as I enter 2026 and all that you have planned, please give me the strength to remember to take deep breaths. To remember all that I have to be grateful for. To find humor in moments I want to cry over things like a towel being folded wrong. Please give me the freedom to move into this new year without pretending I have it all figured out or as though that is some expectation of Yours. Please help me to reflect and reset and to remember to do this as often as I need throughout the new year.

Cheers to 2026. We’ve got this!

And on the days you don’t, remember you are not alone!

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