By Heather Manges, Choice Journey
As we come to the end of another year, I’m reminded of something I deeply believe: growth doesn’t happen by accident—growth happens by intention. Every December, I set aside quiet time to reflect, evaluate, plan, and dream. This practice has shaped who I’ve become as a leader, a wife, a mother, a coach, and a woman of faith. And I want to share it with you—not as a checklist, but as an invitation.
A new year isn’t a reset button. It’s a continuation of your journey. How you close this chapter will determine how you begin the next one.
Below are my Go-Do’s—the intentional practices I walk through as I prepare to step into a new season with clarity and purpose.
1. Reflect: “What did I do?”
Before I ever set goals, I begin with gratitude and honesty.
I look back and ask:
- What did I accomplish this year?
- What moments defined my growth?
- Where did I show up well?
Reflection isn’t about perfection. It’s about acknowledging the seeds planted, the progress made, and the faithfulness that carried me through.
You may be surprised—when you pause long enough to look—you’ve done far more than you realized.
2. Evaluate: “What could I have done better?”
This is where humility and maturity meet.
I ask myself:
- Where did I fall short of my potential?
- What habits or mindsets held me back?
- What did I learn from the challenges I faced?
This isn’t self-criticism. This is personal accountability. Growth requires truth-telling, even when it’s uncomfortable.
3. Celebrate Growth: “How did I grow?”
Growth doesn’t always show up in achievements—it often shows up in resilience, discipline, courage, and character.
Some years, my biggest growth wasn’t visible to anyone but me. But those internal shifts are the ones that transformed everything else.
Ask yourself:
- What new strengths did I develop?
- What fears did I overcome?
- What did God grow in me this year?
This is where gratitude comes alive.
4. Acknowledge Connections: “Who did I meet?”
People are part of our purpose.
Every year I write down the significant connections I made—clients, leaders, colleagues, friends, partners, and even quick interactions that made an impact.
Relationships are divine assignments.
Your life is shaped not only by what you do, but by who you’re connected to.
5. Plan with Precision: The Same List, but Forward
After reflecting, I take the exact same list and craft my growth plan for the coming year.
I ask:
- What will I do next year?
- What will I intentionally do better?
- How will I grow?
- Who do I need to connect with, learn from, or mentor?
Here’s the key: I don’t just set goals—I add details.
I map out habits, timelines, learning plans, relationships to build, environments to enter, and strengths to develop.
This isn’t my business plan.
This isn’t my ministry plan.
This is my personal growth plan.
The plan that ensures I continue to become who God created me to be—personally, professionally, relationally, and spiritually.
Why I Share This With You
Choice Journey is built on the belief that growth is not optional—growth is essential.
It’s essential for leaders.
Essential for families.
Essential for business owners.
Essential for anyone who desires to live with purpose.
As a coach, teacher, and leader, I want you to know this:
The most powerful investment you will ever make is the investment you make in yourself.
Your next level requires your next level of intention.
You were created for more—and growth is the pathway to becoming that “more.”
An Invitation to You
As you end this year, I invite you to take these same four questions and walk through them slowly, honestly, and prayerfully.
Your reflection creates clarity.
Your clarity fuels direction.
Your direction shapes your destiny.
And if you want 2026 to look different—start by deciding who you want to become in it.
This year may have stretched you.
It may have strengthened you.
It may have surprised you.
But the beautiful truth is this:
You get to choose the journey you take next.
And I’m here, cheering you on—every step, every decision, every milestone.
Here’s to growth.
Here’s to purpose.
Here’s to becoming everything you were created to be.
Happy New Year from Choice Journey.
Your journey matters. Your growth matters. You matter.