Ten Questions to Refocus Your Life This Year

As the new year begins, many of us instinctively turn to resolutions and routines. But before the rush to fix habits or make plans, it’s worth pausing to ask deeper, more intentional questions. Scripture encourages us, “Consider your ways” (Haggai 1:5), a call to examine the direction of our lives and our devotion to God.

The turning of the calendar provides an ideal time to assess, reflect, and realign our hearts. Here are ten questions designed to help you start the year focused on what matters most your faith, relationships, priorities, and purpose.

1. What’s the most important decision you need to make?

You may not have any major deadlines ahead, but is there a decision you’ve delayed that you need to prayerfully address? It might be about your spiritual life, your family, or a ministry opportunity that could impact someone’s eternity. Some decisions are optional but wise. What step could open doors for greater faithfulness this year?

2. How can you simplify your life?

Overwhelm has become a chronic condition. According to a recent Gallup poll, 44% of adults report feeling stressed most of the day. Simplifying doesn’t require an overhaul of your entire life. Start small. What’s one area your schedule, commitments, digital habits, or finances where a single change could yield peace and margin?

3. What’s the most important need you feel burdened to meet?

You can’t solve every problem in the world, but you are called to respond to some. Whether it’s supporting global missions, caring for a lonely neighbor, or serving within your church, ask. What one need stirs my heart most? Then prayerfully take one concrete step toward meeting it.

4. What habit would you most like to establish?

Habits shape lives more than goals. Perhaps you’ve felt the nudge to commit to daily Bible reading, prayer, healthier eating, or consistent rest. Even five minutes a day can create spiritual momentum. What’s one life-giving rhythm you can start today?

5. Whom do you most want to encourage?

Everyone is fighting hidden battles. Choose one person perhaps someone weary or overlooked and become their consistent encourager. A text, a note, or a kind word can offer more light than you realize. Hebrews 3:13 urges us to encourage one another daily. Who needs your encouragement this week?

6. What is your most important financial goal, and what is the first step toward it?

Financial stewardship is deeply spiritual. Jesus spoke about money more than almost any other topic. Whether it’s giving more generously, reducing debt, saving wisely, or learning biblical principles, define one goal and take a measurable first step. Consider reading a Christian financial book or seeking counsel from a trusted believer.

7. What’s the single best step you can take to improve your work life?

The Bible praises skillful work: “Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will stand before kings” (Proverbs 22:29). Whether you're in ministry, the marketplace, or at home, what’s one area you could strengthen? Seek to grow not just for promotion but for the glory of God in your labor.

8. What’s one way you can bless your pastor (or another spiritual leader)?

Pastors and ministry leaders often bear heavy emotional and spiritual burdens. One Lifeway study found that 55% of pastors feel frequently discouraged. This year, resolve to be someone who encourages your leaders. A kind word, a thank-you note, or a specific appreciation for their teaching can be an enormous blessing.

9. What’s one step you can take to enrich your family’s spiritual legacy?

Whether you have children, grandchildren, or spiritual children, your life tells a story. This year, consider how you can intentionally pass down faith. Maybe it’s starting a family devotional, writing prayers for your children, or recording life lessons in a journal. Legacy is built one faithful moment at a time.

10. What book, besides the Bible, do you most want to read?

Reading sharpens the mind and strengthens the soul. Yet studies show that 42% of college graduates never read another book after graduation. Could you choose just one edifying book this year and commit to a page a day? You’ll be surprised how it shapes your perspective over time.

Meet the Year with Intentionality

These questions aren’t meant to overwhelm but to help you refocus. Perhaps choose one or two to reflect on during your devotional time this week. Write your answers in a journal, and revisit them each quarter. Let them guide you to a more prayerful and purposeful year.

The goal is not perfection but progress. God delights in small, faithful steps taken in His name. So pause. Pray. Consider your ways. And step into this year with clarity and courage.

Share this with someone who needs a purposeful start to their year or subscribe to our newsletter for more spiritual tools like this.