It’s almost the middle of February. You probably started out 2025 with a determination and focus that you thought would carry through the year. However, according to a 2022 Forbes article, roughly 80% of people quit their New Year’s resolutions by February. 80%! That’s a huge number, yet not surprising.
What if we simply changed our perspective and instead of saying Oh well, I’ll try again next year. Maybe instead we redirect the mindset to a get back on the horse instead. Ok, so the steam ran out on the big commitments we planned for this year. Why not fail forward? Why not practice, paying attention to the why’s in our life more than the what?
The key to moving in a different direction is to move like you never have before. If we continue to do the same thing and respond the same way we always have, then what changes will come? Zero! Nothing will change, and why would it? Studying both psychology and theology you start to see certain patterns, mindsets and influences that impact us more than we realize. How we think about ourselves will determine what we become and the actions we will or won’t take to become who we can be and what we will do. I know it all sounds very cliché, but it is true.
It’s been said there are over one hundred scriptures that mention our mindset and how it shapes us. Many are popular while some takes some digging. For example:
- Psalm 139:23-24 – “Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!”
- Isaiah 26:3 – “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.”
- Romans 12:2 – “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
- 2 Corinthians 10:5 – “We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ.”
- Philippians 4:8 – “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”
- Ephesians 4:23 – “And to be renewed in the spirit of your minds.”
That’s not even the tip of the iceberg. But what would happen if you decided to live without limits? Who would you be, and how would you change this world for Christ? What if you were bold and focused? What if you were disciplined and intentional? What if you maximized your time and consistently made decisions with purpose? How would life change if you incorporated instantaneous action? Instead of thinking about it over and over, you just did it. Win or lose. Just try. At best, it works, and at worst, you learn!
Some of the greatest innovations and breakthroughs have come from moments where individuals had to rethink their strategies and take a different approach.
But here’s the encouraging part—adjusting and pivoting when we miss the mark isn’t a failure; it’s an opportunity. When we shift gears, we give ourselves the chance to expand, adapt, and strengthen our ability to innovate. Think about it: Every time you adjust your approach, you tap into creativity, problem-solving, and resilience. It’s like exercising a muscle—the more you pivot and find new ways to move forward, the stronger and more capable you become.
So, instead of seeing a missed resolution as a dead end, why not view it as a course correction? Life isn’t about perfection; it’s about how you respond to those things that didn’t go your way. It determines your mental strength, development, and progress. Growth comes from learning what works and what doesn’t and having the courage to try again with an adjusted game plan. Let this be the year that you practice flexibility and innovation. The best part? You’re not starting over; you’re building reliable and tested experience.
It’s important to acknowledge that not too many succeed in everything the first time around. The most successful people in the world have encountered setbacks and failures, but what sets them apart is their willingness to adapt and push forward. Every mistake or misstep provides an opportunity to refine your approach and discover what truly works for you. We are all wired differently. We have to learn how to work with the wires that cause delays in us. Do you detach it altogether, or do you use it in another way and at another time? For example, if you’re someone who struggles with procrastination. You find that every time you set a goal, you delay taking action until the last minute. Instead of getting frustrated and feeling like something is “wrong” with you, you can assess the “wiring” causing this delay.
- Do you detach it altogether? Maybe you recognize that certain distractions (like social media or TV) are the main reasons for your procrastination. In this case, you can detach those distractions by setting boundaries—like using a website blocker or creating a dedicated workspace.
- Do you use it in another way and at another time? Perhaps you realize that you actually work best under pressure, so instead of fighting it, you strategically plan short deadlines for yourself to create that urgency earlier. Or, you use your natural inclination for deep focus at the last minute to tackle creative projects rather than routine tasks.
By recognizing and working with your personal wiring instead of against it, you can find solutions that help you move forward rather than feeling stuck.
This type of strategy can help with incorporating small, incremental changes into your routine, which can make a significant difference. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by a lofty goal, break it down into manageable steps. Adjusting your perspective to embrace progress over perfection can lead to a more sustainable and fulfilling journey.
Another key element is mindset. A fixed mindset tells us that failure is the end, but a growth mindset sees failure as a stepping stone to success. When you begin to view challenges as opportunities for learning, you cultivate resilience and perseverance. You can see the trees and understand it is, in fact, a forest. There is a duality of both/and instead of either/or that can transform and impact our lives significantly.
It’s important to avoid sabotage and pay attention to who you are surrounding yourself with; a strong support system can enhance your motivation. So ensure that you don’t ignore red flags, and don’t make excuses for others’ behavior. Whether it’s friends, mentors, or a community of like-minded individuals, having people to encourage and challenge you can be invaluable.
The beauty of pivoting and adjusting your course is that it allows you to unlock new possibilities. New boundaries within yourself and new revelations of what you can accomplish and become. Some of the greatest innovations and breakthroughs have come from moments where individuals had to rethink their strategies and take a different approach. If a particular resolution or goal isn’t working out, consider exploring alternative ways to achieve the same outcome. Creativity often emerges from constraints, and by thinking outside the box, you might discover an even better path forward.
Remember, progress is rarely linear. There will be ups and downs, but every effort you make contributes to your growth. Instead of being discouraged by setbacks, use them as fuel to keep going. Celebrate small wins along the way, and recognize that every step forward, no matter how small, is a victory. Don’t live in it; just take the time to acknowledge and enjoy the celebrations along the way. Use that to boost your morale, sharpen your focus, and keep moving forward.
Ultimately, this journey is about becoming the best version of yourself. Give yourself grace, stay adaptable, and keep moving forward. The future is shaped not by how many times we fall but by how many times we rise. Let 2025 be the year of resilience, creativity, and intentional growth.
Now that we got the kinks out, let’s do it better.
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