Every January, the world hands us a checklist. New goals. New routines. New expectations, and while everyone else is rushing to do more, I want to start this year differently. Before you decide what you’re doing in 2026, take a moment to decide who you’re becoming.
This is the foundation of today’s episode because I’ve learned this the hard way. When you only focus on tasks and goals, you eventually burn out or end up with results that don’t even feel like you. But when you decide who you’re becoming first, everything that follows becomes simpler, clearer, and far more aligned.
This conversation is not about pressure. It’s a reset, a breath, and a way to step into the new year with focus and confidence instead of overwhelm.
Listen here:
Why Who You’re Becoming Matters More Than What You’re Doing
When you decide who you’re becoming, you shift your approach from hustling to aligning. Instead of chasing goals that don’t stick, you begin shaping your identity in a way that guides your choices naturally.
Most people start the year with motivation and a long list of tasks. But motivation fades quickly, usually by the time February arrives. What doesn’t fade is identity.
If you see yourself as someone who follows through, you follow through.
If you see yourself as someone who leads with clarity, your choices reflect that clarity.
If you see yourself as someone growing into a new season, you show up differently.
This identity-first approach prevents burnout because your goals finally match who you’re becoming instead of who you used to be.
Deciding Who You’re Becoming Brings Immediate Clarity
I spent years setting goals in January that didn’t matter by spring. Not because I lacked discipline but because I lacked direction. When life threw curveballs or got busy, those goals didn’t hold meaning anymore but when I started deciding who I was becoming first, things shifted.
Questions became easier.
Boundaries became clearer.
Priorities sorted themselves out.
Clarity is not a luxury. It’s a lifeline that keeps you grounded when distractions show up and keeps you moving when motivation fades. When you know who you’re becoming, the year stops feeling like a race and starts feeling like an intentional journey.
Three Grounding Questions to Start Your Year
To help you decide who you’re becoming this year, here are three questions I walk myself through every January:
1. Who am I becoming in this next season?
Not the version others expect from you. Not the version you think you “should” be. Who are you actually growing into?
2. What does she value?
Values shape decisions. If the woman you’re becoming values peace, your commitments look different. If she values growth, your habits shift. If she values impact, your leadership changes.
3. What choices will support her?
This is where identity meets action. Small choices. Daily choices. Choices that build momentum because they align with who you’re becoming, not just what you’re doing.
Choosing Who You’re Becoming Simplifies Everything
RELATED: Owning Your Decisions – Managing Your Thoughts Regarding Your Purpose
When you carry this identity-first approach into your year, planning becomes easier. Decision-making becomes lighter. Doing becomes a byproduct of being. You no longer need perfect motivation every morning because your direction is already set.
And this matters because so many high achievers start January with big ambition and end up exhausted by spring. Not because something is wrong with them, but because they skipped the foundation. They started the year trying to do instead of deciding who they’re becoming.
Let’s change that this year.
Ready for Support as You Step into Your Next Level?
If you want deeper clarity, stronger momentum, and the confidence to lead your life and career with intention, the Flourishing Edge Mentorship begins February 1st.
This high-level experience is where I’ll walk you through the frameworks, mindset shifts, and habits I’ve used for decades to help ambitious women rise with purpose and direction.
The waitlist is now open. You’ll be the first to receive details and early access.
👉 https://www.kristijones.org/flourish360-waitlist/
Here’s to 2026 rooted in clarity, intention, and the identity you’re stepping into.
If you’re looking for coaching opportunities to live your life to the fullest you can learn more here about my one-on-one coaching opportunities or my Flourishing Edge Membership with my Flourishing Edge program.
