End-of-year check-in's: acknowledging the great moments, the wins, the challenges and the things that didn't go to plan.

This time of year gives us a huge opportunity to take stock and choose to be thankful as we head into Christmas, remembering God’s kindness and the ways He’s been there for us. But with family pressures, end-of-year assessments, exams, and the mental list of what we “did and didn’t achieve,” it’s so easy to slip into negativity… and yep, start complaining.

But, this is the perfect moment to check the posture of your heart — because as the saying goes, “if we complain, we remain.” And who really wants to stay stuck in the same circumstances we’re complaining about and didn't like about the past year?

One thing that’s helps me is to stop viewing the year as one massive 12-month block. Because let’s be honest - we’ve all made those big lists, goals, vision boards, affirmations… and then life happens. A whole year is just too big to hold sometimes. January feels miles away from December, our excitement fades, and complaining can slowly replace and drain our discipline and focus.

But what if you changed the way you viewed time?

What if you stopped planning your life in 12-month blocks… and started planning in 12-week seasons?

Three months at a time. Little by little. One step at a time.

That’s what 12 weeks can be - a focused window where you and Jesus partner together on what’s real and reachable now, not something overwhelming that’s twelve months away.

Instead of a giant vision board for the whole year, imagine creating a tiny vision board just for the next 12 weeks. Not for the year.For now.For what God is doing inside you in this season.

You’re not behind. You’re not late. You’re not failing.

And just like the Israelites didn’t receive their inheritance all at once, God released it in stages - because He was developing them as He led them.

He was making them bigger on the inside so they could inherit what was already theirs on the outside.

And it’s the same for you.

We make our plans, but God directs our steps - and He is faithful to complete the good work He started in us. He knows the plans He has for you… plans to bless you, prosper you, and lead you into a hope-filled future.

So while everyone else is gearing up for New Year’s resolutions in January, you’ll already be right in the middle of your 12-week journey - focused, moving forward, and growing without the pressure of trying to hold onto an entire year at once.

God is not rushing you. He's never in a rush :) But He is developing you. And He will release your next steps when you're ready to take hold of them.

ACTION STEPS

1. Focus on the Next 12 Weeks

Ask God what He wants to grow in you now, not over a whole year.

2. Create a Mini Vision Board

Make a small, simple vision board just for this 12-week season - something realistic and achievable.

3. Swap Complaining for Gratitude

When negativity rises, pause and thank God for one thing this year.

4. Choose One Faith Habit

Pick one small daily practice that strengthens your “faith muscles.”

5. Let Jesus Lead Your Steps

Take time to sit and write down some steps and seek His guidance and way of doing things.

Pray: “Lord, guide my steps in these next 12 weeks.

✨ BIBLE VERSES

✨ PRAYER

Lord thank You for walking with me through every part of this year. Please help me to not get overwhelmed or pressured by the calendar. Instead please teach me to trust Your process that you work in me little by little and step by step. Grow me on the inside so I can inherit everything You’ve already prepared on the outside and show me what You want to develop in me over the next 12 weeks, and give me the grace to remain focused, and grateful. Thank You that You finish what You start, and that Your plans for me are always good. In Jesus' name Amen