From Big Goals to Faithful Steps

My posture entering into 2026

By: Dr. Debranetta, Mom, Strategist, Researcher, Chief of Staff

For ambitious, faith-filled women, big goals often feel like proof of obedience. We dream boldly, plan intentionally, and set our sights on what we believe God has called us to accomplish. But there are seasons when the Lord gently shifts the focus, not away from vision, but toward faithfulness. Now that the new year is here, I find myself less concerned with what I can achieve and more focused on what God is asking of me in this season. It is a season of transition in various aspects of life and a season of gratitude. In today’s blog post, I’m sharing how I’m approaching this year with more prayer, more listening, and less pressure.

Looking Back at an Interesting Year

2025 was an interesting year for many of us. For some, it was a year of breakthrough. Goals that once felt audacious were finally accomplished. Dreams that lived on vision boards for years began to take form. There was growth, momentum, and visible fruit. Read my full 2025 reflection in the blog post below:

The Power of Reflection

At the same time, 2025 was also a year in which smaller goals quietly fell to the side. Not because we lacked intention, but because effort and energy were poured into accomplishing the big things. For me, my biggest goals of 2025 were completing my Doctorate degree. And honestly, there were some other goals that took a back seat so that I could complete it. Also, health goals were delayed. Rest was postponed. Documentation was inconsistent. And in some cases, the pace of achievement outpaced our ability to reflect.

I found myself sitting with this tension as the year closed. Gratitude for what God allowed me to accomplish, paired with awareness that some foundational things did not receive the attention they deserved. That realization became an invitation. Not to guilt. Not to pressure. But to prayer.

A Year of Transition will Require Trust in God

For me, 2026 is clearly a transition year. And transitions require wisdom.

Our family is navigating shifts that come with growing children. Moving from one school level to the next brings changes in schedules, emotional needs, and expectations. These transitions are not small. They shape the tone of our home. Moreover, there are also transitions in desires ranging from professional to personal and relationships. For my business, I sense that 2026 may be a year of refining rather than expanding.

What’s most interesting is that the word “transition” has been a consistent theme across a few prophetic declarations going into 2026 that I have heard and one that I have also felt.

Because of that, my primary priority for 2026 is my family. That decision alone required me to let go of the pressure to set aggressive goals in every area of my life. It required trust. Trust that honoring God’s order will never cost me what He has already ordained.

There is so much more that I could say about this topic, but I will elaborate more in future posts…

Releasing the Pressure to Set All the Goals

This year, I have not set goals in the traditional sense. And for someone like me, that feels so uncomfortable. I am a planner mom and enjoy structure. There are goals that will naturally carry forward into 2026. My fitness journey is one of them. I did not meet my health and wellness goals in 2025, and instead of abandoning them, I am allowing them to continue with grace. Growth does not always follow the calendar year. Another area that will carry forward is my Bible goals. Time in the Word remains non-negotiable.

As ambitious women, we are often taught to ask, What do I want to accomplish next year? What goals should I set? What milestones should I hit?

As we settle into 2026, the Lord gently redirected my posture. Instead of starting with a list, I started with questions.

God, what will You have of my year?

God, where do You want my focus?

God, what are my priorities in this season?

Those questions change everything. They shift goal setting from performance to partnership with the Lord.

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To Wrap it Up

As I move through this year, I’m holding my plans with open hands and choosing to stay sensitive to what the Lord is saying along the way. Moreover, this season is less about checking boxes and more about obedience, presence, and trust. I believe that when we slow down enough to listen, God orders our steps in ways we could not have planned on our own. Lastly, My prayer for every woman reading this is that you feel free to release the pressure of big goals and to take the faithful steps God places before you, knowing that each step matters and none of them are wasted.