The holidays are often seen as a time of reflection, connection, and celebration. For many of us, it’s a season to take stock of what we’ve achieved, survived, and learned. But too often, the focus is placed solely on external traditions—gatherings, gifts, and feasts—leaving little room for the profound internal work of gratitude and setting intentions for the future.
This season, let’s pause to dig deeper. Let’s not just survive the chaos of the holidays or rush into the new year with vague resolutions. Let’s create a sacred space to embrace gratitude and set intentional goals for the journey ahead.
Gratitude is more than saying “thank you” or feeling obligated to acknowledge the good things in life. It’s an active, transformative practice that shifts your mindset from scarcity to abundance. And let’s be real: practicing gratitude isn’t always easy. How do you find gratitude when the weight of disappointments, unmet expectations, financial strain, or loss feels heavier than the joy of the season?
The answer lies in perspective and choices. Gratitude is about choosing to see the beauty in the struggle. It’s about recognizing that even in the darkest moments, there is something to learn, something to hold onto, and something to propel us forward. Start small: acknowledge the breath in your lungs, the resilience you’ve built over time, or the simple pleasure of a warm cup of tea. Gratitude is the anchor that keeps us steady, even when the storms of life are raging. Gratitude is a practice.
While gratitude grounds us in the present, setting goals and intentions gives us direction for the future. However, there’s a crucial connection between the two that’s often overlooked. Gratitude without vision can leave us stagnant, while goals without gratitude can feel shallow and meaningless. To truly thrive, we must weave them together.
As you reflect on the past year, ask yourself:
- What moments challenged me the most, and how did I grow because of them?
- Who were the people who showed up for me, and how can I honor them?
- What lessons am I taking into the next chapter of my life?
From this place of gratitude, start crafting your vision for the year ahead. Let your goals emerge not from a place of lack or insecurity but from a place of abundance and clarity. Instead of saying, “I need to lose weight” or “I need to make more money,” reframe your intentions: “I want to honor my body with healthy decisions and loving actions” or “I want to use my skills to create financial stability.” This subtle shift turns your goals into affirmations of self-worth and possibility! Try it.
We’ve all been there—January 1 rolls around, and we set lofty resolutions fueled by excitement and the societal pressure to “start fresh.” Yet studies show that most resolutions fail by mid-February. Why? Because resolutions often focus on external results rather than internal transformation.
Instead of setting resolutions this year, consider setting intentions. Intentions are less about rigid outcomes and more about aligning your actions with your values.
For example:
If your resolution is to “be more productive,” your intention might be “to approach my work with focus and purpose while honoring my need for rest.”
If your resolution is to “be happier,” your intention could be “to seek joy in the small moments and practice gratitude daily.”
Intentions are forgiving, flexible, and deeply personal. They serve as a compass rather than a finish line, allowing you to grow and adjust without the shame of failure.
Be encouraged to carve out some time during this holiday season to engage in a practice that combines gratitude and goal-setting. Here’s a simple yet powerful five-point guide:
- Create a Gratitude List: Write down everything you’re grateful for this year—people, experiences, lessons, and even the hardships that shaped you.
- Release What No Longer Serves You: Reflect on habits, relationships, or mindsets you’ve outgrown. Write them down and physically let them go—burn the paper (safely), tear it up, or bury it in the earth.
- Set Your Intentions: Choose 3–5 areas of your life you’d like to focus on in the coming year. Write your intentions in the present tense, as if they are already happening: “I am thriving in my career,” “I am cultivating meaningful connections,” or “I am prioritizing my health and well-being.”
- Visualize Your Future Self: Close your eyes and picture the person you are becoming. What does their life look like? How do they feel? Who surrounds them? Keep this vision before you and let it inspire your daily actions.
- Anchor it all with Affirmations: Finish by speaking affirmations that solidify your gratitude and goals.
Here are some affirmations to guide you as you step into a new season of growth:
“I am grateful for the lessons, challenges, and triumphs that have shaped me this year.”
“I release what no longer serves me and make room for abundance and joy.”
“I am worthy of all the good things life has to offer.”
“I honor my journey and trust that I am exactly where I’m meant to be.”
“I align my goals with my values and take intentional steps toward my vision.”
“I welcome the new year with courage, clarity, and gratitude.”
As you move through the holidays and into the new year, remember this: gratitude and growth are not opposing forces—they are partners in your journey. By anchoring yourself in gratitude and aligning your intentions with your deepest values, you create a life that is both meaningful and abundant. This holiday season, give yourself the gift of reflection, release, and renewal. You deserve it!
Frenetta Tate, an award-winning author, creative, certified women’s empowerment and entrepreneur coach, and founder of Frenetta Tate Global, has a passion for empowering others to rise above challenges and thrive. Frenetta is dedicated to turning visions into victories. Connect with her on social media @frenettatate.
