New Year Goals: From Doing to Being—A Biblical Approach to Lasting Change

It is that season again—the time when new goals are set, resolutions are made, and people decide to buckle up and change in pursuit of the “new year, new me” vision. A lot of emphasis is placed on the things we can do in order to become the people we desire to be.

Exercise so you can lose weight and be healthy.

Budget so you can manage your finances and become wealthy.

Do this, so you can be that.

While all of this sounds good—and much of it is good—why is it that we often arrive at the end of the year with most of our resolutions abandoned?

We usually start with good intentions, but somewhere along the way, the momentum fades.

Sometimes we don’t even remember what those intentions were.

We begin strong, then lose so much traction that we feel worse off than when we started.

A quick Google search reveals that nearly half of people who join a gym in January quit within six months. January has the highest sales of gym memberships because one of the most common New Year’s resolutions is “exercise more.”

So why do we peter out?

I submit to you that this is not primarily a discipline issue—it is a mindset issue.

We try to live as human doings instead of human beings.

Let me explain.

Most people exercise because they believe when they exercise, then they will be healthy. The problem is that exercise can be hard. So when challenges arise—busy schedules, fatigue, stress—they default back to their steady state: someone who does not exercise.

On the other hand, a person who exercises because they see themselves as healthy and want to maintain that health tends to default back to regular exercise even when the same challenges arise.

Do you see the difference?

It is the internal thermostat of the mind. One person sees themselves as someone who exercises. The other sees themselves as someone who should exercise.

The exerciser is practicing who they already believe they are, so the behavior flows more naturally. The non-exerciser is striving to reach a position they do not yet see themselves occupying. It is the difference between rolling down a hill versus climbing up the same hill—the effort required depends on the starting point.

It is far easier to succeed at something when you know you are a success than when you believe you are a failure trying to improve.

This principle applies to every area of life—discipline, habits, consistency, and growth.

So the real question becomes: How do you begin to see yourself as a success?

Let me introduce you to the Word of God—our blueprint for identity, our guide for renewing the mind, and our roadmap to the abundant life God designed for us.

You might ask, “How does the Bible help me exercise more?”

I’m glad you asked.

The Bible is the most powerful tool we have for elevating our pattern of thinking because it reveals who we are in Christ. Transformation happens when our minds are renewed.

“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God”— Romans 12:2

This transformation is not limited to “spiritual” matters alone.

God is interested in every area of our lives—spirit, soul, and body. That includes our exercise routines, sleep patterns, eating habits, and daily disciplines. When we recognize that God’s desire for transformation is comprehensive, we begin to apply Scripture even to what seems mundane.

For example:

• “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”—even when I’m trying to reduce my social media time.

• “Christ has been made unto me wisdom”—so I can follow instructions and build this table.

• “An excellent spirit dwells in me”—so I can take my time and organize my closet well.

• “God has not given me a spirit of fear”—so I can drive home safely in terrible weather.

Do you see what I mean?

When you know who you are in Christ, you can lean on God’s Word to supply the grace needed to do what must be done. You are no longer striving to become someone—you are living from who God has already made you.

There is another important aspect we need to address.

Sometimes, we set out on journeys God never sent us on.

You may decide to start a business, reorganize your entire life around that goal, and even pray for success—yet if it is not part of God’s plan for you in that season, there may be little grace or supply for it. This is not because God is withholding from you, but because He never authored the assignment.

Why not seek Him first?

This brings me to the heart of this post.

Before you set your goals for the new year, seek God for His plans for you. 

Ask Him for direction in every area of your life—including your health. The wisdom for losing belly fat may not be more exercise, but intermittent fasting. God knows your body far better than any fitness coach.

When you receive His instructions, you can then build goals and habits that are aligned with His will. And because the design is His, there will be grace available to carry it out.

Using this approach last year, as a single mom and full-time physician, I was able to:

1. Launch this website and blog (now with over 30 posts)

2. Write and publish my first e-book

3. Complete my first year of Bible college

4. Exercise consistently 3–4 times a week

5. Maintain my weight loss

6. Volunteer regularly at a free clinic

7. Experience the most consistent spiritual growth of my Christian walk

…and a few other things I’m not at liberty to share just yet.

I recognize fully that I did not accomplish these things in my own strength. I was intentional about exerting effort only where God gave direction.

I’ll close with the Scripture God gave me:

“For it is [not your strength, but it is] God who is effectively at work in you, both to will and to work [that is, strengthening, energizing, and creating in you the longing and the ability to fulfill your purpose] for His good pleasure”— Philippians 2:13 (AMP)

My prayer is that this year will be filled with wonder and wholeness as you fulfill God’s purpose for your life—spirit, soul, and body.

I love you,

Oyin.