If we were all sitting together, and I asked, “How many of you are still going strong on your New Year’s resolutions?”—I doubt many hands would go up. Studies show that 50-80% of people completely abandon their resolutions and goals by Valentine’s Day.
If we can’t stick to our goals for even 60 days, how can we ever hope to change, grow, ditch those old habits, and transform into the person we dream of becoming?
The good news? As Christians, we don’t have to rely on our own strength or power to make lasting changes. God has given us the ultimate Helper—the Holy Spirit. With His guidance, we can break free from limiting beliefs, unhealthy habits, and thoughts that keep us stuck.
Why Change Feels So Hard?
Paul tells us in Romans 12:2:
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing, and perfect will.”
This verse is a game-changer. It reminds us that transformation begins in our minds. As we mature spiritually, the Holy Spirit renews our thoughts, attitudes, and values to align with God’s truth.
Joyce Meyer explains it beautifully:
“If you want to have what God wants you to have, learn to think like God thinks. Once you think like God thinks, you will speak like God speaks.”
Let’s take that to heart. God calls things that do not yet exist as though they already do (Romans 4:17). He called Abram the “father of many nations” before he had even one child. In the same way, God sees the future He’s designed for you and invites you to declare His truth over your life—even when it feels out of reach.But so often, we let old thoughts of who we used to be hold us back. These thoughts shape the words we use, our decisions, the risks we take, and even the goals we set. They can keep us stuck in a cycle of frustration, wondering why we can’t move forward.
What Do You Want Most?
George Eliot said it well:
“It’s never too late to be what you might have been.”
When was the last time someone asked you, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Maybe when you were 8, 12, or 18? But here’s the bigger question:
When was the last time YOU thought about WHO you want to be—not just what you want to do?
Many of us are living task by task, goal by goal, day by day. We’re accomplishing things, but we’re not asking if those things are moving us closer to the person God has called us to be.
Are we chasing short-term wins without thinking about the long-term picture? Before we add more to our already full plates, we need to pause and ask ourselves a key question:
Who do I want to become?
This is where the real transformation begins.
This is where the real transformation begins.
As Craig Groechel says, “Start With the WHO Before the DO!”
If your goal is to live your best life—the abundant life God has planned for you—how clearly can you picture it?
Close your eyes for a moment. Imagine yourself living fully as the person God designed you to be. What does it look like? What does it feel like? Who’s in your life? Just as importantly, who and what aren’t there?
Think about this in every area of life:
- Spiritually: How do you show up in your relationship with God?
- Personally: How do you engage with your kids, your spouse, your friends? Are you present, patient, loving, joyful?
- Professionally: When you walk into a room at work, how do you lead? How do you handle challenges? What kind of example are you setting?
Write it all down—big picture and small details. This isn’t about figuring out the “how” just yet. It’s about letting the Holy Spirit guide you as you dream with God about your best self.
Turning Your Vision Into “I Am” Statements
Once you’ve written out your vision, the next step is to turn it into affirmations. These are “I am” statements rooted in God’s truth.
For example:
- “I am a woman who leads with wisdom and grace.”
- “I am fully present and engaged with my family.”
- “I am joyful, patient, and confident in God’s plan for my life.”
If starting with “I am” feels overwhelming or hard to believe when you say it out loud, try this:
- “I am someone who values…”
- “I am the type of person who…”
Keep your statements in the positive. Instead of saying, “I never lose my temper,” say, “I am calm and patient.” This helps your brain and spirit align with God’s truth about you.
Living With Purpose
Would you ever set out on a road trip without knowing where you’re going? Of course not. But so many of us are living life without a clear picture of where we’re headed or who we’re becoming.
We plan the next vacation, the next big project, the next holiday—but God is calling us to something greater.
So, let’s stop and take the time to reflect. Ask yourself:
- Who is God calling me to be?
- Am I living my life in a way that honors His plan for me?
- Am I giving the Holy Spirit space to renew my mind and guide my steps?
Transformation doesn’t happen overnight, but with the Holy Spirit’s help, you can begin living the abundant life God designed for you—not someday, but starting today.
Take 15 minutes today to visualize your best self, write out your “I am” statements, and pray for the Holy Spirit to guide you. God’s calling you to more—so let’s start living for what we want most.
