Faith In The Ordinary

Why identity—not motivation—is the true starting point for New Year goals

(Colossians 3:1)

BEFORE YOU READ

This post is longer than a typical blog entry. It’s written that way on purpose. Scripture often unfolds truth through careful progression, and this reflection follows that pattern. If you’re looking for something quick, this may not be it—but if you’re willing to linger, it’s worth the time.

INTRODUCTION

As the new year begins, we are often encouraged to start by finding our why—the reason behind our goals, the motivation that will keep us going when things get difficult. The advice makes sense. Purpose matters. Motivation matters.

A why is a motivator, not a foundation. Motivation answers why I want to act, but it does not answer who I am when I fail, stall, or need to change direction. When circumstances shift—fatigue sets in, disappointment creeps up, progress slows—motivation alone has nothing to stand on. This is why people often abandon goals, not because the goal itself was wrong, but because the why was carrying more weight than it could bear.

WHAT IS MY WHY?

When people begin with why, the answers often sound familiar:
• So I can finally feel good about myself.
• So I don’t feel like a failure.
• So I can stop feeling anxious.
• So I can be more disciplined this time.

Others are shaped by responsibility and expectation:
• So my children can be proud of me.
• So I don’t disappoint my family.
• So people can see that I’m capable.
• So I can finally prove that I can do this.

Some of these whys are deeply loving. Some are noble. Many are sincere. But they reveal something important: a why often ends up carrying the weight of identity. In other words, the goal becomes the place where we try to answer deeper questions about ourselves—Am I good enough? Am I capable? Am I worthy of approval? When a why carries identity, success feels like validation and failure feels like a verdict.

To move forward with goals even in the face of failure or redirection, a foundation must be established. That foundation must be something that does not fluctuate with performance or progress. Motivation can move us forward, but it cannot hold us steady. When our sense of worth, security, or belonging becomes tied to success, the why begins to collapse under pressure. For a why to be sustainable, it must be shaped by something more foundational. It must be shaped by who we believe ourselves to be. That is where Scripture shifts the question. Scripture presents identity, not motivation, as that foundation. So, instead of asking “What is my why?” ask instead, “Who am I?”

WHO ARE YOU?

Who you understand yourself to be determines why you pursue certain goals—and how you go about pursuing them. When identity is unsettled, goals are often driven by urgency: the need to prove, secure, or fix something about ourselves. The why becomes heavy, and the effort becomes harsh. Setbacks feel personal, and progress feels fragile. As such, the question is no longer “What must I do to become someone?” but “Who am I already, and how do I live from that place?”

When identity is secure, however, goals take on a different tone. The why is no longer about earning worth or approval, but about living in alignment with what is already true. Effort becomes steadier. Growth is approached with patience. Failure becomes information, not a verdict. The same goal is pursued, but from a completely different place.

Scripture does not begin by asking us to define our motivation. It begins by naming us—before directing us. This pattern runs consistently throughout Scripture. God names His people before He sends them. Israel is called God’s “treasured possession” before the Law is given, grounding obedience in belonging rather than fear (Exodus 19:5). Jesus Himself hears the Father’s affirmation—“This is My beloved Son”—before His public ministry begins (Matthew 3:17). And throughout the New Testament, behaviour is repeatedly rooted in identity: “Since you have been raised with Christ…” comes before any instruction on how to live (Colossians 3:1). Scripture never treats behavior as the starting point. It always begins with who someone already is.

GOALS ARE SHAPED BY THE GROUND WE STAND ON

Goals are never neutral. They are shaped by the ground we stand on—the assumptions we carry about who we are, what we lack, and what must be secured. Two people can set the same goal and experience it very differently, not because the goal itself is different, but because the starting place is.

Goals Built On Uncertainty – Goals that are built around: What is my why?

One approach begins with uncertainty. Here, goals are formed to create stability—to become healthier, more disciplined, more secure, more fulfilled. The effort is forward-facing and self-building. Progress feels urgent because worth feels unfinished.

When momentum slows or failure appears, discouragement follows closely behind. The goal must succeed, because too much rests on it. And when failure happens, it is rarely interpreted as a setback alone—it is often received as a personal verdict. If I failed at this, perhaps this means that I am a failure. In this framework, goals carry emotional weight they were never meant to bear.

Goals Rooted in Identity – Who am I?

Scripture presents a different starting place. Here, goals are not attempts to construct a self, but responses that flow from an identity already given. The person is not striving to become acceptable, secure, or whole; they are learning to live consistently with what has already been declared true. And Scripture is very specific about what has been declared true: God’s people are named as His own before they are instructed; they are loved and accepted in Christ, not defined by what they lack or need to prove; they are called children, made new, and raised with Christ before any effort to change begins (Exodus 19:5; Ephesians 1:6; Romans 8:15; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Colossians 3:1). Growth, then, is not an attempt to become someone else, but a process of alignment with what God has already said is true.

Because identity is secure, effort is no longer aimed at fixing what is broken, but at stewarding what has been entrusted.

• Health becomes stewardship rather than self-repair, because the body is no longer treated as a problem to solve, but as something already claimed and worthy of care (1 Corinthians 6:19).
• Discipline becomes cooperation with God’s work within us rather than an attempt to control outcomes, as we respond to what He is already shaping instead of forcing change through pressure (Philippians 2:13).
• Provision is trusted rather than chased, because security is no longer anchored in accumulation or constant striving, but in the character and care of God Himself (Psalms 23:1).
• Relationships are entered from fullness rather than need, since love is no longer something we must extract to feel whole, but something we are free to give because we are already loved (1 John 4:19).
• Growth is pursued with patience because belonging is not at risk. When a person’s place with God is already secure, growth no longer carries the pressure of earning acceptance. Because they already belong, progress does not have to be rushed, forced, or proven. (Colossians 3:1).

SAME GOALS, DIFFERENT QUESTIONS

The goals may look identical on paper. The difference lies underneath them.

One way of setting goals asks, “What’s my why for wanting this change?” The focus is on motivation—finding a strong enough reason to push forward, stay consistent, and not give up when things get hard. This approach assumes that sustained change depends primarily on the intensity of desire and strength of resolve.

The other asks, “How do I live in alignment with who I already am?” This question begins from a different place entirely. It assumes that identity has already been established, and that growth is not about generating enough motivation to become someone new, but about learning to live consistently with what is already true.

REMEMBERING, NOT REINVENTING

This is why Scripture repeatedly calls God’s people to remember rather than reinvent. God does not invite His people to start over every season, redefining themselves through effort or ambition. Instead, He reminds them of what has already been secured and calls them to bring their hearts, habits, and decisions into agreement with it.

Remembering, in Scripture, is not passive recall. It is an active reorientation of life around truth that has already been spoken.

“Since then you have been raised with Christ…”

— Colossians 3:1

That word since establishes the order. Paul does not say, live this way so that you may be raised with Christ. He says, because this is already true of you, live accordingly. Behavior flows from position. Direction follows identity. The invitation of the new year, then, is not self-construction, but alignment. Not striving toward identity but living from it.

EXAMINING GOALS FROM THE TWO STARTING POINTS

The difference between living from identity and striving for identity becomes most visible in the goals we set and the way we pursue them. The same goal can be driven by very different forces beneath the surface—either by a “why” that carries the weight of identity, or by an identity already secured in Christ. What follows is not a comparison of better and worse goals, but of different starting points.

As each example unfolds, notice that the goals themselves often look identical. What changes is the posture of the heart, the tone of effort, and the meaning assigned to success or failure.

HOW TO READ THE SECTIONS THAT FOLLOW

In the sections that follow, we will look at several common goals people often carry into a new year—goals related to productivity, money, health, work, relationships, and spiritual life. Under each goal, you will see two starting points contrasted: one shaped by a “why” that carries the weight of identity, and the other rooted in identity already secured in Christ.

Included within each section are identity confessions drawn directly from Scripture. These are not meant to be rushed through or recited mechanically. They are placed there intentionally—to slow the reader down, to re-anchor the heart, and to remind us of what is already true before we decide what we will do next.

As you read, the invitation is not to judge yourself for where you recognize strain or striving, but to notice the ground you are standing on. The confessions serve as a quiet recalibration point—helping shift goals from pressure to alignment, and from self-construction to faithful living.

PRODUCTIVITY & DISCIPLINE GOALS

“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” — Psalms 90:12

When Driven by a “WHY” That Carries Identity

Productivity becomes proof. Discipline is fueled by fear—of falling behind, disappointing others, or appearing incompetent. Schedules grow rigid because failure feels personal. Missed days trigger guilt, and rest feels undeserved. Beneath it all sits a quiet question: “What will it say about me if I don’t keep up?”

This often shows up as:

• Saying yes to too much because slowing down feels like failure
• Feeling anxious or ashamed when the to-do list isn’t finished
• Measuring worth by how busy or productive the day looked
• Abandoning routines after a few missed days because “I’ve already messed it up”

When Lived From Identity Secured in Christ

Discipline becomes wisdom rather than pressure. Because worth is not earned through output, productivity is freed to serve life instead of consuming it. Time is stewarded, not squeezed. Progress is measured by faithfulness, not volume. Missed days become moments for adjustment, not self-condemnation. The guiding question shifts to: “What does faithfulness look like with what God has entrusted to me today?”

This often looks like:

• Creating a realistic daily structure that fits the actual season of life
• Choosing to finish a few important tasks well rather than chasing constant output
• Allowing rest without needing to justify it
• Treating consistency as something built over time, not enforced through pressure

Identity Confessions (Psalm 90:12; Colossians 3:1)

• I am not defined by my output; I am raised with Christ and secure in Him. (Colossians 3:1–3)
• My time is a gift to steward, not a burden to prove my worth. (Psalm 90:12)
• I am free to work faithfully without striving for validation. (Galatians 1:10)
• Rest is not failure; it is wisdom and trust in God’s provision. (Psalm 127:2)

MONEY, INVESTMENT & FINANCIAL GOALS

“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.” — Psalms 23:1

When Driven by a “WHY” That Carries Identity

Money becomes safety. Investing becomes urgent. Entrepreneurship becomes pressure to escape scarcity or prove competence. Decisions are driven by anxiety—fear of not having enough, fear of missing out, fear of being irresponsible. Financial success becomes emotional reassurance rather than stewardship.

This often shows up as:

• Obsessively checking balances because money feels like security
• Feeling behind or ashamed when comparing income, savings, or investments
• Chasing quick returns or risky opportunities out of fear of missing out
• Starting businesses primarily to quiet anxiety rather than steward gifts

When Lived From An Identity Secured In Christ

Money becomes a tool, not a shield. Because provision is trusted to God’s care, financial decisions slow down. Investing becomes patience practiced over time. Entrepreneurship becomes stewardship of ability rather than a desperate bid for security. Planning is thoughtful, not frantic. Saying “no” becomes possible because provision is not being chased—it is trusted.

This often looks like:

• Creating a simple budget you can actually maintain
• Investing patiently instead of reactively
• Declining opportunities that don’t align with capacity or values
• Building businesses thoughtfully, measuring success by faithfulness rather than fear

 Identity Confessions (Psalm 23:1; Matthew 6:33)

• The Lord is my Shepherd; I lack nothing I truly need (Psalm 23:1)
• My security does not come from money, but from God’s care over my life. (Matthew 6:25–26)
• I am a steward, not an owner; provision flows from God, not my control. (1 Corinthians 4:2)
• I am free to plan wisely without fear, because my future rests in God’s hands. (Proverbs 16:9)

WEIGHT LOSS, HEALTH & EXERCISE GOALS

“Your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit.” — 1 Corinthians 6:19

When Driven by a “WHY” That Carries Identity

Weight loss becomes self-repair. Exercise becomes punishment. Health is pursued to earn confidence, acceptance, or approval. Progress is fragile—one setback feels like failure. The body is treated as a problem to fix rather than a gift to care for.

This often shows up as:

• Exercising mainly to compensate for eating
• Feeling discouraged or self-critical when the scale doesn’t move
• Starting extreme routines that collapse after a few weeks
• Avoiding mirrors, photos, or social settings when progress feels slow

When Lived From an Identity Secured In Christ

Health becomes stewardship. Because the body is already claimed and valued by God, care replaces punishment. Exercise becomes an investment in strength and capacity, not a response to shame. Weight loss is approached with patience because worth is not at stake. The body is treated with dignity even while it is changing.

This often looks like:

• Choosing movement that builds energy and strength for daily life
• Eating in ways that support clarity, stamina, and well-being
• Making gradual, sustainable changes
• Treating the body with care regardless of pace or progress

Identity Confessions (1 Corinthians 6:19–20; Psalm 139:14)

• My body belongs to God and is worthy of care, not punishment. (1 Corinthians 6:19)
• I am fearfully and wonderfully made, even while I am changing. (Psalm 139:14)
• My worth is not measured by a scale or appearance. (2 Corinthians 5:16)
• I honour God by caring for my body with patience and respect. (Romans 12:1)

ACADEMIC & ACHIEVEMENT GOALS

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart…” — Colossians 3:23

When Driven by a “WHY” That Carries Identity

Grades and achievements become validation. Performance determines worth. Fear of failure drives overwork, anxiety, or avoidance. Success feels temporary; failure feels defining.

This often shows up as:

• Feeling defined by grades, rankings, or outcomes
• Overworking out of fear of disappointing others
• Avoiding challenges that might expose weakness
• Viewing mistakes as evidence of inadequacy

When Lived From An Identity In Christ

Learning becomes growth rather than proof. Because acceptance is already settled, effort can be sincere without being frantic. Excellence is pursued as faithfulness, not self-justification. Failure becomes feedback, not a verdict on worth.

This often looks like:

• Approaching learning as growth rather than validation
• Preparing diligently without panic
• Receiving feedback without collapse
• Seeing failure as information, not condemnation

Identity Confessions (Colossians 3:23; Ephesians 2:10)

• I am God’s workmanship, created for good works He has prepared for me. (Ephesians 2:10)
• My value is not determined by grades, rankings, or outcomes. (Galatians 2:16)
• I pursue excellence as faithfulness, not as proof of worth. (Colossians 3:23)
• Failure does not define me; it teaches me and shapes me. (Proverbs 24:16)

ENTREPRENEURSHIP & CAREER GOALS

“Commit your work to the LORD, and your plans will be established.” — Proverbs 16:3

When Driven by a “WHY” That Carries Identity

Work becomes self-definition. Success is tied to significance. Hustle feels necessary because rest feels risky. Identity rises and falls with outcomes.

This often shows up as:

• Hustling relentlessly because slowing down feels dangerous
• Tying personal value to business performance
• Making decisions primarily to impress or validate
• Feeling crushed when ventures stall or fail

When Lived From Identity Secured In Christ

Work becomes calling rather than compensation for insecurity. Risks are taken wisely, not desperately. Success is received with gratitude; failure is processed without collapse. Identity remains stable regardless of outcomes.

This often looks like:

• Building at a pace that allows wisdom and sustainability
• Taking risks thoughtfully, not compulsively
• Measuring success by faithfulness, not visibility
• Remaining grounded even when results fluctuate

Identity Confessions (Proverbs 16:3; Psalm 127:1)

• My work is a calling, not a measure of my identity. (Colossians 3:17)
• I commit my plans to the Lord and trust Him with the outcome. (Proverbs 16:3)
• I am free to build patiently, not anxiously. (Psalm 127:1)
• Success and failure do not determine my worth; Christ does. (Philippians 3:8–9)

RELATIONSHIP GOALS

“We love because He first loved us.” — 1 John 4:19

When Driven by a “WHY” That Carries Identity

Relationships become places to be affirmed. People-pleasing replaces honesty. Boundaries feel selfish. Conflict feels threatening.

This often shows up as:

• People-pleasing to avoid rejection
• Avoiding conflict at the cost of truth
• Feeling responsible for others’ emotions
• Measuring worth by how needed or appreciated you feel

When Lived From Identity Secured In Christ

Love flows from fullness. Because love has already been received, it no longer needs to be extracted from others. Boundaries become acts of stewardship, not rejection. Presence matters more than perfection.

This often looks like:

• Listening without needing affirmation
• Setting boundaries without guilt
• Apologizing without defensiveness
• Showing up consistently, not ideally

Identity Confessions (1 John 4:19; Romans 8:38–39)

• I am already fully loved by God; I do not need to earn love from others. (1 John 4:19)
• I am secure enough to love honestly, not fearfully. (2 Timothy 1:7)
• Boundaries are an expression of wisdom, not rejection. (Proverbs 4:23)
• I can show up imperfectly because God’s love for me is unchanging. (Romans 8:38–39)

SPIRITUAL GOALS

“Abide in Me.” — John 15:4

When Driven by a “WHY” That Carries Identity

Spiritual practices become performance. Consistency becomes proof. Missed days create guilt and withdrawal. God feels distant when routines falter.

This often shows up as:

• Treating consistency as evidence of devotion
• Feeling distant from God after missed days
• Comparing spiritual disciplines with others
• Quitting altogether when routines break

When Lived From An Identity Secured In Christ

Spiritual practices become places of meeting, not measuring. Scripture is read for nourishment, not achievement. Prayer remains honest even when inconsistent. Relationship takes precedence over streaks.

This often looks like:

• Reading Scripture to be formed, not evaluated
• Praying honestly rather than impressively
• Returning to God without shame after gaps
• Allowing rhythms to flex with real-life seasons

Identity Confessions (John 15:4; Hebrews 4:16)

• I abide in Christ; I do not strive to reach Him. (John 15:4)
• My relationship with God is based on grace, not consistency. (Ephesians 2:8–9)
• I can come to God honestly, even when I feel weak or inconsistent. (Hebrews 4:16)
• God’s nearness to me does not fluctuate with my performance. (James 4:8)

WHAT THIS REVEALS

The difference is not the goal. It is the ground. The same goals—health, success, discipline, provision, growth—can either carry the weight of identity or flow from identity already secured in Christ. That is why the invitation of the new year is not self-construction, but alignment. Not striving toward identity but living from it.

FINAL CONFESSIONS

• I have been raised with Christ, and my life is hidden with Him. (Colossians 3:1–3)
• I do not strive to become someone else; I learn to live in alignment with who I already am through Christ Jesus.
• This year, I set goals from identity, not toward it.