The “Why” Behind the Goal: We often treat the start of a new year like a sprint. We burst out of the gate with high energy, only to realize by March that the road is much longer than we thought. As I looked at the calendar for 2026, I realized I didn’t need a dozen small resolutions. I needed one North Star to keep me on track when things get difficult.
For me, that North Star is finally crossing the stage and finishing my degree.
Shifting the Outlook: In the past, I viewed this goal as a “task” to be completed—a box to check. But as I enter this year, my outlook has shifted. Completing this degree isn’t just about the piece of paper; it’s about honoring a commitment to myself. In a world full of distractions and “pivoting,” there is a quiet power in seeing something through to the end. It’s about the discipline of the late-night study sessions and the resilience required to balance life’s competing’s demands.
The Strategy for the Long Haul: To make sure this aspiration becomes a reality; I’m moving away from “hope” and toward systems:
- The “Non-Negotiable” Hour: Carving out specific blocks of time that are protected from meetings and notifications.
- Focusing on the Next Mile: Not looking at the whole syllabus, but just the chapter in front of me.
- Embracing Imperfection: Understanding that some days will be about excellence, and others will simply be about showing up.
What is Your North Star? We all have that “one thing” we’ve been carrying—a project, a habit, or a dream that has been sitting on the back burner. As we navigate 2026, I encourage you to find your own North Star. What is the one achievement that, if you reached it, would make everything else feel like a bonus?
Let’s commit to the finish line together.
Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Ready to begin? Join us at www.summitchristianu.org and allow us to be Your North Star in 2026.