Begin 2026 with a V.I.S.I.O.N.

Jerome
Jan 1
3 min read

Updated: 4 days ago

A new year is more than a change in the calendar—it’s an invitation. An invitation to pause, realign, and step forward with intention. As 2026 begins, we are reminded that a meaningful year doesn’t start with speed or ambition alone, but with VISION.

VISION is not just about goals. It’s about alignment—of heart, mind, faith, and action.

This simple framework can guide you as you begin the year:

VALUE GRATITUDE.

INTROSPECT.

SEEK GOD.

IMAGINE.

ORGANIZE & TRACK.

NAVIGATE CHANGE.

VALUE GRATITUDE

“In all things give thanks.”

Before planning what’s next, we start by acknowledging what already is. Gratitude grounds us. It shifts our focus from what’s missing to what’s meaningful.

Take time to write down the things—big or small—that you are thankful for. Successes, lessons, people, provision, even challenges that shaped you. Gratitude softens the heart and prepares it for clarity.

A thankful heart sees more clearly.

INTROSPECT

“We do not learn from experience… we learn from reflecting on experience.”— John Dewey

Reflection turns experience into wisdom. Pause and look back at the year that was—not with judgment, but with honesty.

Use ERCC as a guide:

Eliminate – What needs to stop because it no longer serves your purpose?
- What activities drain my energy without meaningful impact?
- Which habits, commitments, or distractions are holding me back?
- What am I doing out of obligation rather than alignment with my values?
- What would improve immediately if I stopped doing it?
- What would I advise someone else to eliminate in my situation?
Reduce – What still matters but needs less time, effort, or intensity?
- Where am I overinvesting time or energy?
- Which tasks could be simplified or delegated?
- What expectations (mine or others’) need to be lowered?
- What causes unnecessary stress that could be minimized?
- What would “good enough” look like instead of perfect?
Create – What new actions, systems, or mindsets are needed?
- What is missing that would help me move toward my goals?
- What new habit or routine would make the biggest difference?
- What skill, relationship, or resource should I start building?
- What structure or system would help me stay consistent?
- If I were starting fresh, what would I intentionally create?
Continue – What is already working and should be strengthened?
- What has been effective and energizing?
- Which habits or behaviors align strongly with my “why”?
- What results am I proud of and want to sustain?
- What strengths should I continue to leverage more intentionally?
- What should I protect and not compromise moving forward?

Introspection is not about dwelling in the past—it’s about learning from it so you can move forward wisely.

SEEK GOD

“Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails."

There is no better way to start the year than by seeking God. Before setting goals or making big decisions, surrender your thoughts, ideas, and desires to Him.

Ask not only What do I want this year? but What does God want to form in me this year?

When we seek God first, our plans gain direction, peace, and purpose.

IMAGINE

“Where there is no vision, the people perish.”

With the thoughts and insights you gained from prayer and reflection, begin to imagine what your year could look like. This is where faith meets creativity.

Create a vision board. Visualize growth, restoration, learning, service, and impact. Let your imagination be shaped not by fear, but by hope and trust.

Vision gives direction to effort.

ORGANIZE & TRACK

“A goal without a plan is just a wish.”— Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

A clear vision needs structure. Anchored by what your vision for 2026, organize your thoughts into actionable plans. Break them down into steps, timelines, and habits.

Use Strengths-based goal setting to align your goals with your innate strengths. You can download a copy from Gallup.

Throughout the year, track your progress. Celebrate wins—big and small. And when things don’t go as planned, be kind to yourself. Progress is rarely linear.

Consistency matters more than perfection.

NAVIGATE CHANGE

“Trust in the Lord and submit all your ways to Him, and He will make your paths straight.”

Change is constant. Plans shift. Seasons evolve.

Throughout the year, make time to rest and reflect. Continuously seek God as you navigate change. Recalibrate when necessary. Return to your VISION when you feel lost or overwhelmed.

Vision is not rigid—it’s a compass.

Step into 2026 with Intention

Beginning the year with V.I.S.I.O.N. is choosing to live deliberately—not driven by pressure, but guided by purpose.

As you move forward, remember:

Gratitude keeps you grounded
Reflection brings clarity
Faith provides direction
Vision inspires action
Planning sustains progress
Trust anchors you through change