I love this time of year because it reminds me of something deeply comforting and deeply hopeful, God is a God of new beginnings.
The Bible says,
“See I am doing a new thing
Now it springs up do you not perceive it”
Isaiah 43:19
That verse always gets my attention.
Because here is the truth. 2026 does not have to be a repeat of the past.
It does not have to be defined by what did not work, what you regret or where you fell short.
It can be a year of greater closeness to God deeper relationships and more impact than anything you have experienced before.
As I step into this new year, I want to share a few practices I am personally using and I hope they help you as well.
1. Count Your Blessings
Scripture says,
“Praise the Lord my soul and forget not all his benefits”
Psalm 103:2
Before setting goals or making plans I try to slow down and remember.
I literally sit down and write out all the ways God has blessed me this year and beyond. I’ll keep typing until my mindset changes and my heart starts to swell with gratitude.
Gratitude changes perspective.
It reminds us that God has been faithful and if He has been faithful before He will be faithful again.
2. Review the Past Year Honestly and Gracefully
I take time to look back at the year the good and the bad.
What went well
Where did I grow
What did I avoid or procrastinate on
Which relationships need attention or mending
What goals did I set but not reach
This is not about shame. It is about clarity.
One practical tool I have used is asking AI to act as a coach. I will type something like,
“You are my personal coach. Give me an evaluation of this past year. What did I do well. What do I need to improve. What changes can I make to make 2026 better.”
Used wisely, tools like this can help us reflect more objectively and move forward intentionally.
3. Write Out Your Goals for 2026
It is never too late to get clarity.
I had a discipling time recently with a great guy. I asked him what his goals were for the year. He looked at me blankly and said “I don’t have any. I do not do goals.”
He is a fantastic person but without direction it is hard to make the most of your time.
The Bible says,
“Be very careful then how you live not as unwise but as wise making the most of every opportunity because the days are evil”
Ephesians 5:15-16
Goals are like a budget for your time.
They do not restrict you. They help you stay on track and get back on track.
Here are some categories I use when writing goals.
Peace of mind and spirituality
Health and fitness
Relationships: Marriage, Parenting, Friendships
Fun and adventure
Money
Mission
Career
Learning reading and skill development
This kind of structure helps us grow into what I call 10x Christians, intentional focused and fruitful.
4. Build a Routine That Serves Your Goals
Bill Walsh famously said “Focus on the process not the prize.”
That has been huge for me.
Here is part of my current routine in 2026:
Walk thirty minutes a day
Pray and meditate at least thirty minutes
Write before checking my phone
Put my fork to bed at seven pm
Put my phone to bed at nine pm
Track it daily
Routines turn good intentions into daily faithfulness.
5. Take a Getaway With Your Spouse
If you are married I cannot recommend this enough.
Get away together and talk through the big areas of life. Pam and I took a two-night getaway in Portsmouth, New Hampshire just to talk over our coming year together:
Money
Faith
Marriage
Family
Friendships
Vacations
Skills you want to learn
Come to agreement. Dream together. Enjoy each other’s company.
Some of the best clarity comes when we slow down and talk together.
6. Use Your Imagination and Faith
Ask yourself this question: How do I want to feel at the end of 2026?
Looking back what emotions do you want to associate with this year?
Peace, Joy, Courage?
Faith is not just believing God can work.
It is allowing yourself to imagine a future where He does.
7. Get a Year-Long Calendar and Mark What Matters
I love dry erase wall calendars where you can see the entire year at a glance.
When priorities are visible they are more likely to become reality.
What you schedule, you value.
8. Ask God to Bless the Work of Your Hands
Pray this prayer:
“May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us establish the work of our hands for us yes establish the work of our hands”
Psalm 90:17
Let me close by asking you to not get hung up on past failures or unmet goals. Often we don’t write goals down or plan because we are afraid of failure or not hitting our goals.
Remember what Earl Nightingale said.
“Success is the progressive realization of a worthy ideal.”
If your worthy ideal is becoming more like Jesus then you are already succeeding as long as you are moving in that direction.
You are a success every day you take a step of faith.
Every prayer prayed.
Every effort made.
Every time you choose growth over comfort.
God is doing a new thing.
Let’s make 2026 our best year so far together. Pam and I will be praying for you.
Much Love,
Rob Skinner
PS. Email me your goals for 2026. I’d love to pray over them and encourage you this year. Rob@RobSkinner.Com
