“Your Best Year Starts With Who, Not What”

Welcome to 2026.
New year. New opportunities. New responsibilities.

But before you write a single goal…
before you hit the gym…
before you read the book…
before you start the hustle…

You need to begin with the one thing that shapes everything else: Who you are.

Your best year will not start with what you accomplish. Your best year starts with who you become — and who God already says you are.

Your Best Year Starts With Who, Not What

Every January, men feel the pressure to change everything.

New habits.
New goals.
New mindset.
New schedule.
New disciplines.

And listen — growth is good. Goals are powerful.
But if you focus on what you want to do before you focus on who you are becoming, you’ll burn out fast.

Why?

Because identity always comes before action.

Scripture teaches us that God shapes who you are long before He shapes what you do.

Before Jesus ever taught, preached, healed, or performed a miracle…
the Father spoke identity over Him:

“This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:17)

Identity → THEN calling
Identity → THEN mission
Identity → THEN responsibility

If Jesus needed identity before assignment —
so do we.

Three Identity Statements Everyone Needs This Year

Let these become anchors for your soul:

1. “I am a son of God.”

You’re not earning a place at the table.
You already belong.
The Father is not tolerating you — He loves you.

2. “I am God’s workmanship.”

(Ephesians 2:10)
You are not a project to fix —
you are a creation in progress.
God is shaping you, forming you, strengthening you.

3. “I am a new creation.”

(2 Corinthians 5:17)
Your past doesn’t define you.
Your failures don’t own you.
Your future is not limited by last year.

You are made new — and you can move forward in freedom.

When men forget who they are… they chase identity through success.
But when men remember who they are… they build success through identity.

Ask Yourself:

1. What identity lie did I believe last year (not enough, behind, unworthy, incapable)?

2. Which identity truth from Scripture do I need to embrace this year?

3. What might change in my life if I lived from identity instead of striving for identity?

Call to Action:

• Pray this every morning before you start your day: “God, form my character before You grow my capacity. Remind me who I am in You. Root me as a son — not a slave to pressure. Shape my identity, steady my heart, and lead me forward. Amen.”

  • This prayer sets your soul before your schedule.

• For premium subscribers, we have “The Identity Reset Guide.” A printable 5-page tool to help you: Identify your core identity statements, Replace identity lies with Scripture, Build a daily identity rhythm, Start 2026 rooted and steady.

  • If you’re not premium yet — this is the perfect resource to begin the year strong.

One Step at a Time.

If today’s newsletter helped you, share it with another brother who’s entering the new year feeling pressure or uncertainty.

And don’t forget to listen to this week’s Faith Forward Podcast: “Before You Set Goals: Who Are You Becoming?”

Hit reply and tell me: Which identity statement are you declaring this week?

I’d love to pray for you.

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