A fresh start isn’t magic—it’s a decision, made one day at a time.
There’s something about a new year that feels like a clean breath of air.
Not because January 1st magically fixes anything. Not because we wake up and suddenly become a brand-new person overnight. But because the calendar flipping gives us a moment to pause—and decide what we’re going to do differently.
For me, 2026 feels like a perfect time to let go of old habits and build better ones. Not just “goals” that sound good for a week, but real habits that change my days, my mindset, and my life.
And honestly, I’m not trying to do it perfectly. I’m trying to do it one decision at a time.
Leaving the Old Stuff Where It Belongs
Old habits don’t always look “bad” on the surface. Sometimes they’re just patterns we’ve outgrown—things that keep us stuck, tired, distracted, or discouraged.
Old habits can be:
- Putting things off until “tomorrow”
- Living on autopilot instead of living on purpose
- Overthinking every decision
- Letting emotions drive the whole day
- Saying “I’ll start Monday” and repeating the cycle
Some old habits are louder. Some are quiet. But either way, they can steal our peace without us even realizing it.
In 2026, I don’t want to keep carrying what weighs me down. I want to put it down.
Building Better Habits That Actually Stick
I’ve learned something important: motivation comes and goes, but habits remain.
Good habits aren’t flashy. They’re not always exciting. They’re the small, steady choices that build a life you’re proud of.
Better habits can be simple things like:
- Waking up and starting the day with purpose
- Drinking more water, moving your body, taking care of yourself
- Speaking kinder to yourself
- Keeping commitments—even small ones
- Being honest, even when it’s uncomfortable
- Choosing progress instead of perfection
The goal isn’t to become somebody else. The goal is to become the healthiest, strongest version of who you already are.
Doing the Next Right Thing
One phrase I’m carrying into 2026 is this:
“Do the next right thing.”
Not the next perfect thing. Not the next big thing. Not the next thing that makes everyone happy. Just the next right thing.
Sometimes the next right thing is:
- Making the phone call you’ve been avoiding
- Apologizing when you’re wrong
- Showing up when you don’t feel like it
- Taking a breath instead of reacting
- Getting back on track after you slip
Doing the next right thing is how you rebuild trust—with others, with yourself, and with God. It’s how you stay grounded when life gets messy.
Making More Room for Writing
One thing I’m committed to in 2026 is dedicating more time to writing.
Writing helps me process life. It helps me tell the truth. It helps me heal. And I believe writing can help other people too— especially the people who feel alone, misunderstood, or like they’re running out of hope.
This year, I want my writing to be more than “when I feel like it.” I want it to be something I protect.
Even if it’s just a page a day. Even if it’s a short post. Even if it’s messy at first.
Consistency builds confidence. And confidence builds momentum.
Drawing Closer to God and His Word
More than anything, I want 2026 to be a year where I grow closer to God.
Not just in theory. Not just “when I’m in trouble.” But daily.
I want to spend more time in the Bible—not as a checkbox, but as a source of strength. Because when life gets loud, God’s Word brings clarity.
When I’m anxious, it brings peace. When I’m tempted, it brings direction. When I’m tired, it brings comfort.
The Bible doesn’t just inform me—it transforms me, if I let it. And I want to let it.
A Simple Goal for 2026
- Let go of what drags me backward
- Build habits that move me forward
- Do the next right thing
- Write more
- Seek God more
- Stay consistent
I’m not trying to be perfect. I’m trying to be faithful. Because small steps done daily will always beat big promises made once.
Closing Thought
If you’re reading this and you’re hoping 2026 can be different—good. Hold onto that.
You don’t need to change everything today. Just start with one thing.
One habit. One prayer. One page. One decision. And then do the next right thing after that.
By Josh Bridges
YOU {R} NOT ALONE YOU HAVE A VOICE! 