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Don’t Just Dream It—Do the Work: Preparing Your Heart for 2026

As we stand on the edge of a new year, there’s something powerful about this moment. The final days of one year are like a mirror—reflecting where we’ve been, who we’ve become, and what God is still calling us to do.


For women over 50, this season isn’t just about resolutions—it’s about renewal. Because truth be told, we’ve made the lists before: lose the weight, start the business, write the book, pray more, love deeper, stress less. But here’s the truth we often overlook:

if we don’t do the work, all the goals and resolutions become nothing more than dreams deferred into 2026.


We have information, but without application, there can be no transformation.


Knowledge Isn’t Enough—Action Is Required

We live in a time when we can Google anything, download devotionals, watch endless motivation videos, and fill journals with affirmations. But knowing what to do and doing it are two very different things. Transformation happens when we put truth into motion. You can’t wish your way into a new life—you have to walk your way into it.


So ask yourself:

  • What have I learned this year that I still haven’t applied?

  • What lesson did God keep repeating because I didn’t act the first time?

  • What one thing can I commit to starting and finishing before this time next year?


Sometimes the work is internal—healing, forgiving, releasing. Other times, it’s external—planning, organizing, executing.

Both matter.

Both require effort.


Do the Inner Work

Before you step into 2026, pause and do a heart check. Ask God to reveal what needs to be released so you can move forward lighter and freer.

Inner work looks like:

  • Letting go of regrets that keep you stuck.

  • Forgiving yourself for what didn’t work out.

  • Reconnecting with who God says you are.

  • Creating boundaries that protect your peace.


When you tend to the inside, the outside will follow.


Faith + Discipline = Fruit

Faith gives you vision. Discipline gives you structure. You need both to see lasting results.

Faith says, “God can.”Discipline says, “And I will do my part.”

Make 2026 the year you move differently—less talk, more follow-through.

If God has given you the vision, He will give you the strength to complete it—but you have to meet Him in motion.


Remember: You don’t need a new year to change—you just need a made-up mind.


Reflect, Reset, and Recommit

Before the clock strikes midnight, take time to reflect:

  • What did I learn this year?

  • What will I leave behind?

  • What will I carry forward with purpose?

Then, reset your focus. Write down your goals, yes—but attach an action plan and a deadline. Break big dreams into small, doable steps.


And finally, recommit. This next season isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. You’ve got wisdom, experience, and God’s grace on your side. That’s a powerful combination.


Final Encouragement

Beautiful woman, don’t just wish for change—work for it. God has placed something extraordinary inside of you, but it won’t activate until you move in faith.

When you do the work, God breathes on your effort. When you apply what you’ve learned, He multiplies your results.


So as this year closes, declare this over your life:

“I will not carry unfinished purpose into 2026. I will do the work, apply what I know, and walk in the transformation God has prepared for me.”


Affirmation for the New Year

I am not waiting for a new year to change. I am applying what I know, doing the work, and walking in divine transformation. My 2026 begins now.


Let’s Stay Connected! ✨If this message encouraged you, there’s so much more waiting for you!


Join me on my YouTube @lashaymjohnson for weekly faith and lifestyle videos created to inspire women over 50 to live boldly and beautifully in this season.


Follow me on Instagram (@lashaymjohnson) for encouragement, devotionals, and behind-the-scenes moments from my journey.


And don’t forget to tune in to my podcast, Lashay Johnson Podcast—new episodes drop on Spotify and Apple Podcast every other Monday!  It’s your biweekly dose of faith, wisdom, and real conversations to help you grow and glow in God’s purpose.


Subscribe, follow, and listen today—because your best, faith-filled life is just getting started!


 
 
 

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