I’ve never really been a “New Year’s resolution” person. For years, January 1st felt like an arbitrary starting point—a convenient excuse to promise big changes that often fizzled out by February. But a few years ago, something clicked. I began to see resolutions not as lofty goals for some far-off version of myself, but as a structured way to build momentum, reset my mindset, and align my actions with the person I wanted to be.
Since then, resolutions have become a powerful tool for growth. And while I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished, I’ve realized that success isn’t the finish line—it’s the launchpad for something bigger. This year, I’m planning my resolutions early because I’m ready to dream bigger—not just for myself, but for the community I’ve committed myself to.
Over the last few years, I’ve made resolutions that challenged me to show up in new ways. I went plant-based (and I’ve only fallen off the wagon a handful of times), committed to working out 4-5 times a week (I’m currently at 107 weeks with no misses), and pushed myself to read a book a week (almost there!). These were deeply personal goals, and achieving them has been both humbling and fulfilling. They taught me discipline, resilience, and the power of incremental progress.
But as I reflect on those wins, I know there’s more I can do—not just for myself, but for the people around me. I’ve spent years building something meaningful in my community. Now, I feel called to think bigger, strategize more, and carve out time to truly envision what’s possible.
One thing I’ve learned is that dreaming bigger isn’t just about ambition—it’s about intentionality. It requires stepping back from the day-to-day grind and creating space to imagine what could be. This year, one of my resolutions is to intentionally allocate time to daydream and strategize.
In the rush to execute, it’s easy to lose sight of the bigger picture. But some of the most meaningful breakthroughs come not from “doing” but from thinking. I want to make dreaming an active part of my process—whether it’s dedicating time each week to brainstorming new ways to serve my community or sitting down with my team to reimagine what growth could look like for my business.
When I commit to a resolution, I always share it with others. Why? Because accountability is powerful. Sharing my goals not only keeps me on track but invites others to support me. Whether it’s cheering me on, offering advice, or holding me accountable, I’ve found that building a community around my goals makes the journey that much richer.
This year, I’m setting both personal and professional resolutions, and I’m sharing them widely to stay grounded in the “why” behind them.
Personal Resolution: To be more present in my relationships and to intentionally plan life experiences that bring joy and connection.
Professional Resolution: To treat growing my business like going to the gym—consistent, structured, and disciplined. And to dream bigger, making room to imagine new ways to support the community I serve.
What makes this year’s resolutions feel different is the mindset shift behind them. While I’m proud of my personal achievements, I’m focusing this year on how I can do more for the community I’ve dedicated myself to. That means not just building for today, but for the future. It means having the courage to ask: “What’s next?” and the discipline to act on the answers.
Dreaming bigger also means taking the time to plan strategically—not just executing tasks, but envisioning what’s possible. For me, that might look like expanding the reach of my work, fostering deeper connections, or reimagining how my business can have a greater impact.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that success favors the prepared. Planning your resolutions early gives you the time and clarity to map out actionable steps, build systems for accountability, and create space to reflect on what truly matters.
Whether you’re a resolution skeptic or a seasoned goal-setter, I encourage you to take this time to reflect: What do you want to achieve in 2024? What legacy do you want to leave? And most importantly, how can you dream a little bigger?
Candice Matthews Brackeen
CEO + Founder of Lightship Foundation
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