3 Ways to Steer Your Year toward Success

How do you start your year? Do you make resolutions? Do you set goals?

…..But more importantly do you stick with them?

Most of us would answer a resounding, “No.”

I can’t say that I have accomplished every goal I’ve ever set out for in a year. Certainly not. But I can give you 3 ways that I steer my year toward success in the goals I’ve set. And I’m going share them with you, as well as some of my favorite resources that will help you along the way.

1. Create a Vision Board

This is a practice I started years ago after reading the book Imagine Big. (I’ve since read the book 4 more times. It’s that good.)

Why a vision board?

First and foremost, the Bible tells us to, “Write the vision. And make it plain on tablets, That he may run who reads it” (Habakkuk 2:2). God tells us to be clear on our vision, to write it down, and to keep it in front of us…..because when vision is in front of us, we have something to run toward.

Vision boards are not the same as inspiration boards you see on Pinterest. Yes, your vision board is meant to inspire you….but it shouldn’t stop there. Vision boards are meant to steer you toward your goals.

If you don’t know where to start, I suggest this video by Terri Savelle Foy. She is the QUEEN when it comes to creating vision boards and chasing after your God-given dreams and goals. This video will give you a quick overview of making a vision board that will steer your year, but for more in depth info, her book Dream It. Pin It. Live It. is invaluable!

With my vision board (and God) as my guide, I’ve seen my books written (and hit #1 on Amazon), my handlettering business become an Etsy best-seller, and our home paid off.

But it’s not just for the big, extravagant goals. It’s for the smaller ones too, like furniture purchases and family trips. (I actually wrote a blog about when your goals feel too small. You can read it here.)

2. Commit to a Fast

Every year I begin January with a fast. This is not a diet (that is often the biggest misconception of what a fast really is about). This is a scriptural fast.

Why fasting?

Fasting brings clarity of mind and allows us to hear from God more clearly when other things we value are laid aside and we are focused on God for a season. Fasting brings breakthrough, and when those goals on your vision board seem far off or too big for you to accomplish alone…then you need breakthrough!

It doesn’t have to be a complete fast from food, but I do believe a scriptural fast is food related. Some people fast nonfood items that have become too consuming in their lives, like Netflix or social media.

But in my studies, I believe a scriptural fast is refraining from food with a spiritual purpose. Maybe you fast foods that you crave. Maybe you fast until sundown and only eat then. Or maybe you do a liquids only fast (which is obviously not for everyone). But fasting food alone is merely a diet. The key is to fast with a spiritual purpose in mind. When you fast, do so along with prayer and seeking God.

My favorite resource on the matter is the book Fasting by Jentezen Franklin. I cannot recommend it enough. He points out that every major biblical character fasted, including Jesus. That is a good enough reason for me! I love how Franklin calls fasting “the private discipline that brings public reward.”

3. Select a Focus Word of the Year

Focus is so important. Often times, we have so many goals, so many changes we want to make, that we can get overwhelmed or burned out. That is why I have found it so important to boil all of that down into ONE WORD that I ultimately want to focus on for my year (or sometimes it’s only for a season).

I pray about this word, because I want to take it seriously. I don’t want to just throw a word out there that is just trendy or looks cute on a journal! I want a God-inspired word that will steer my year and my focus in the right direction.

When I select my focus word, I find scriptures that go along with it. I pray and ask God what ways He would have me focus on this particular word in every area of my life. Then I get a word-of-the-year journal to keep it in front of my eyes. (If you want a word-of-the-year journal of your own, you can grab a custom made one here.) I do whatever I can to make that word a true focus throughout my year.

I hope these three things have helped you and given you direction on what you can do to make this your BEST YEAR YET! Comment below and let me know your thoughts! I’m cheering you on!