Every January, gyms overflow with new members, bookstores are stacked with self-help guides, and health food aisles are packed with hopeful shoppers—all chasing the promise of a fresh start. Waco Moms contributor, Mari Duran offers insight into setting News Goals with Beyond Resolutions: 12 Things to Learn in 2026.
This year, I have decided that instead of setting rigid resolutions, I’ll take a different approach—one rooted in learning, growth, and small daily practices. Reflecting on past resolutions has shown me that real change doesn’t happen all at once, but through quiet, intentional steps taken consistently over time. There is beauty in simply noticing the small details and choosing gratitude—because that’s often where transformation begins.
With that in mind, I’ve put together 12 things I want to learn in 2026—less as a to-do list and more as a guide for living intentionally, faithfully, and with presence.
Evaluate my Values and Beliefs of Modern Culture
This year, I want to take a step back and really look at the cultural noise around me—the trends, the expectations, the narratives we’re told to subscribe to. I want to ask myself whether these values align with who I truly am or if I’ve simply absorbed them without question.
I’m realizing how easy it is to move through life on autopilot, shaped by what’s popular instead of what’s purposeful. By intentionally evaluating what I believe and why, I hope to build a foundation that guides my choices with clarity instead of pressure.
I Want to Worry Less
Worry steals peace, energy, and creativity. I want to learn how to separate genuine concerns from imagined futures that never come to pass.
Letting go of unnecessary worry means trusting that I can handle life as it comes. This year, I want to practice catching anxious thoughts in the moment and letting them pass instead of letting them spiral.
Respect and Get Close to my Creator
My relationship with my creator is central to who I am, and I want to honor that connection more intentionally.
Whether through prayer, quiet reflection, or studying scripture, I want to cultivate a deeper sense of presence—one that reminds me I’m guided, supported, and loved beyond my understanding.
More Discipline
I read a book by the Spanish author Joan Gallardo called “The 48 Rules of Discipline.” At first, the title felt overwhelming, but as I started reading, it challenged some of the negative ideas I had about discipline. The book made me see discipline in a new light—as something positive and empowering rather than restrictive. By the end of the book, I realized that true discipline is about small, intentional actions that help us grow and live more purposefully.
Discipline creates freedom. It gives shape to the things that matter and helps me show up for myself consistently.
This year, I want to treat discipline not as rigid perfection but as small, dependable actions that align with my goals. I want to build routines that feel supportive, not restrictive.
Rest, Pause More Often
Rest isn’t laziness—it’s recovery, nourishment, and clarity. I want to learn to pause before I push myself past empty.
Creating space for rest means giving myself permission to slow down even when life feels urgent. I want to honor my limits without guilt and recognize that stillness is productive in its own way.
Contemplate…
I want to spend more time thinking deeply—about life, about choices, about the meaning behind my actions. Contemplation allows me to understand myself better and connect with intentional living. This year, I hope to create pockets of quiet where deeper thoughts can rise to the surface. Contemplate sunrises, nature details and the unique gifts each of my children bring into my life.
Spend Less Time on Social Media
Social media can be a great tool, but it’s also a major distraction. I want to reclaim the time and attention it’s borrowed from me.
By setting healthier boundaries with my online habits, I hope to be more present in the real moments happening right in front of me—moments that deserve my full attention.
Make Fun Happen More Regularly
I want to bring more joy and spontaneity into family life. Fun doesn’t have to be extravagant—sometimes it’s the simplest moments that matter most.
This year, I want to be more intentional about creating memories—small adventures, silly moments, shared laughter and have fun in the process.
Less control
Trying to manage everything often leads to stress and disappointment. I want to loosen my grip and trust more in the process of life.
Surrendering control doesn’t mean giving up—it means letting things unfold without forcing outcomes. I want to practice patience, trust, and openness to what life brings.
Enjoy the Details
Life’s beauty often hides in the small moments: a warm cup of coffee, a quiet morning, a passing smile. I want to train myself to notice them.
By slowing down enough to appreciate the details, I hope to cultivate gratitude—not for grand achievements, but for everyday miracles that quietly shape my life.
Pay Attention to Soul, Body, and Spirit
I want to live with greater awareness of how God calls me to care for every part of who I am—my soul, my body, and my spirit.
This year, I want to listen more carefully to what my body needs, tend to my mind with wisdom and grace, and intentionally nourish my spiritual life through prayer, reflection, and time with God, rather than allowing any part of myself to be neglected.
Be Mindful of my Thoughts
My thoughts shape my emotions, my days, and eventually my life. I want to be more aware of the narratives running through my mind.
By practicing mindfulness, I hope to catch negative thinking patterns before they take root and replace them with thoughts that reflect peace, truth, and self-compassion. I would like to suggest giving ourselves grace and recognizing the good things within us.
As we begin a new year, let’s not overwhelm ourselves with long lists of resolutions or the pressure to transform our lives in giant leaps. Instead, let’s take tiny steps—small choices filled with meaning and purpose. Let’s move through the year with intention, trusting that these small shifts will gently lead us toward a better, richer life. And let’s remember that our purpose is greater than what we often believe about ourselves. May we welcome the new year with gratitude, because gratitude is what truly fills and strengthens the heart.
