Happy New Year, my friend! You made it. Another year, another set of 12 chapters waiting to be lived, written and revealed. Before you rush into planning, strategizing and filling your calendar with tasks and goals, I invite you to adopt a new kind of New Year posture; one where you allow God to be the author, not just the editor, of your business journey.

If you’re like me, January brings a mix of excitement, pressure and self-imposed expectations. I always think about the grand goal at the end and then have a habit of stressing myself out to build a roadmap for everything in the year to go perfectly. God always reminds me, “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails,” (Proverbs 19:21). Over the years, I’ve gotten better at releasing control to allow God to do what He does best – protect me from harm unseen and blow my mind with His supernatural abilities. 

This year, instead of handing God your plans like a permission slip, give Him the pen and let Him lead the narrative.

Release the Plan

I know you love a good plan. Vision boards, color-coded goals, yearly projections, new systems and the like. Planning is biblical, but pressure isn’t, so before you finalize your Q1 goals, spend time surrendering every part of your business to God. 

Ask yourself:

• God, what do You want my business to accomplish this year?
• Who do You want me to serve?
• What needs to change in me before anything changes around me?

When God is the foundation of your planning, you start the year with peace instead of panic or pressure.

Set God-Led Goals, Not Ego-Led Goals

Let me be the first to tell you to dream big! God is the One who put vision inside of you, but your goals are meant to align with His purpose, not the world’s definition of success. A God-led goal feels peaceful, even if it’s challenging. An ego-led goal feels heavy, stressful and complicated. If your intentions glorify God, draw you closer to Him and build His Kingdom, you’re on the right track. We’re not in business to glamourize our productivity or exalt our efforts to prove ourselves to man. Don’t let ego slip in. The right goals don’t just grow your business, they grow you.

Leave Room for Divine Disruption

We love control, but God loves transformation. And, sorry to say, transformation rarely comes through predictable, comfortable routines.

This year, stay open to divine pivots, sudden redirections and opportunities that weren’t on your radar. Some of the most powerful breakthroughs in business come from unexpected doors God opens when we stay flexible. Your job is obedience. God’s job is outcomes. Don’t mix up the responsibilities.

Tend to Your Spirit 

A business is only as healthy as the leader behind it. Don’t forget to nourish your spirit along the way by making space for replenishing rituals like quiet reflections, prayer, scripture-led planning sessions, sabbaths without guilt and whatever brings you inner healing. 

You cannot do Kingdom work with an empty cup. God’s voice becomes clearest when your soul is rested and receptive.

Trust God With the Chapters You Can’t See Yet

Just like a good book, you won’t know every plot twist or challenge ahead. Some chapters will be joyful. Some may stretch you. Others may feel like nothing is happening at all. But, God wastes nothing. There’s no season, setback or delay God won’t use for His glory and your best interest. Your calling was beautifully written long before your calendar was created. 

So, let God be the author of the next 12 chapters of 2026 because He truly tells the best stories. I have faith in you. 

Sheridan C. Watkins is a journalist and the owner of Perennial Peaces, a jewelry and gifts brand focused on transcending human understanding of God’s love and being a source of peace on Earth. Her true work began after victory over depression, and her calling is to provide peace through her Divine gifts to help women heal and transform their lives. Follow the mission on Instagram, Facebook & TikTok: @perennialpeaces.