Stinking Thinking: Reset Your Mindset to Achieve Your Goals
New Year…new you?
The New Year brings fresh opportunities to dream big, set goals, and launch strategies—but why do so many of us fall off track just weeks later? Weeks or even months have gone into thinking about the year ahead—what we did or didn’t accomplish last year, and what’s going to be different this time around. Yet, here’s a truth we don’t always acknowledge: 23% of people quit their resolutions after just two weeks, and only 9% successfully see them through to completion.
Why does this happen? No matter how much you plan, prepare, or have all the “things” lined up to succeed, if your thinking isn’t aligned, you will never get there. Instead, you’ll go where your thoughts take you.
Aligning our thoughts
What’s going on in your head? Is it helpful or hurtful? Would you say it to someone else? Is knowing more stuff helping you get there faster, or is it weighing you down? When we reset our mindset and align our thinking with our goals, we can get on the fast track to progress and reach our purpose. Otherwise, we get stuck in a vicious cycle of self-sabotage.
Our thoughts are powerful. They can propel us forward into bold, new territory, or they can lock us in a cycle of doubt, distraction, and procrastination. Sometimes, our thoughts push us to try new things and make big leaps—and that’s amazing. Other times, they trick us into thinking we’re making progress when really, we’re just spinning our wheels.
Recently, I’ve been working with a mindfulness coach who has helped me understand the different parts of myself that have been keeping me stuck. What I’ve learned is this: my "Thinker"—the cognitive part of my brain—knows I have what it takes to get the job done. It knows that if I don’t have the answer, I can figure it out or get help. But other parts of me—insecurity, loss, grief—are terrified of pushing toward my goals and failing. These parts fear that failure will crush me.
As a result, my "Thinker" keeps me busy. It questions my value (doubt), starts ten tasks at once (distraction), and goes down rabbit holes that don’t align with my priorities (procrastination). Even though I have a clear vision and goal, I’m derailed by the parts of me that are trying to protect me from potential pain. The irony? They’re keeping me stuck instead.
Transformation and renewal
Here’s the encouraging part: you don’t have to stay stuck in those thought patterns. Neuroscience tells us that our brains are adaptable, a concept called neuroplasticity. This means that through intentional thought and action, we can create new neural pathways that reshape how we think and respond. By challenging negative thoughts and replacing them with truth, we can literally rewire our brains to support growth and resilience.
This aligns perfectly with scripture. Proverbs 23:7 reminds us, "For as he thinks in his heart, so is he." And in Romans 12:2, we’re called to transformation through the renewal of our minds: "Let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect." Where the mind goes, we go. Our thoughts steer our actions and ultimately, our lives.
Overthinking creates a loop: doubt leads to distraction, which leads to procrastination, which feeds more doubt. It’s exhausting, and it keeps us from moving forward. And let’s be real: in today’s world, it’s easier than ever to get stuck in this cycle. Between the internet and AI, there’s almost nothing we can’t find at the click of a button. But more information isn’t always the answer. In fact, it’s often the problem.
The truth is, we don’t need more knowledge. We need action. We need to trust ourselves and take the next step, even if it’s imperfect. That’s the essence of resetting your mindset.
Breaking the cycle
If you’re ready to stop letting your thoughts drive the bus, here’s 4 tips to help you break the cycle and reset your mindset:
Recognize the Pattern: The first step is awareness. Pay attention to when your thoughts are keeping you stuck. Are you procrastinating? Distracting yourself? Doubting your abilities? Name it for what it is
Ask Grounding Questions: When you feel the spiral starting, pause and ask yourself: Am I overcomplicating this?What is the next small step I can take right now?Will more knowledge actually change the outcome?
Shift from Knowing to Doing: Remember, thoughts without action are just ideas. Set a timer and give yourself a specific task to complete—no overthinking allowed. Even small actions build momentum.
Embrace Imperfection: Progress isn’t about perfection; it’s about movement. Take the leap, even if it feels messy. You’ll learn more from doing than you ever will from thinking.
As we step into the new year, let’s commit to knowing less and living more! Let’s trust that we have enough—enough knowledge, enough skills, enough courage—to take the next step. Because here’s the truth: success isn’t about knowing everything; it’s about taking action in the face of uncertainty. It’s about being resilient.
To the new year…and beyond!
So, my friend, the next time you find yourself stuck in stinking thinking, remind yourself: you’re ready. Stop overthinking. Start living. Align your thoughts with your goals, and let’s see where this year takes us, and SHINE FORWARD!