Finish Well: 5 Steps to Spirit-Led Strategic Planning for the New Year

There’s something sacred about this time of year. It’s a natural pause—the moment between what has been and what’s yet to come. For many entrepreneurs, it’s a season of reflection and goal setting. But for women of faith, it’s deeper than that. It’s about asking, “God, where are You leading me next?”

The Proverbs 31 woman reminds us that foresight and planning are acts of wisdom. She “considers a field and buys it,” but not without strategy and prayer (Proverbs 31:16). As you prepare for the new year, here are five steps to help you finish well and plan wisely for what’s ahead.

Reflect Before You Reset

Before diving into vision boards and new goals, look back at what worked—and what didn’t.

Ask yourself:

• What produced peace, not just profit?

• What aligned with God’s purpose for my business?

• What lessons did this year teach me about leadership, stewardship, or surrender?

Reflection isn’t about judgment; it’s about growth. You can’t plan forward without first looking back.

Reconnect with Your Mission

Your mission is your compass. It reminds you why you started and who you serve. Mid-year shifts and distractions can pull you off track, so revisit your core assignment. Write it down. Say it out loud. Make sure every goal you set supports it.

Set Faith-Focused Goals

SMART goals are great—but Spirit-led goals sustain. Instead of just asking “What do I want to achieve?”, ask “What is God calling me to steward?” Build in time for prayer, rest, and purpose-driven work.

Map Out Systems and Support

Vision without structure leads to burnout. Write down the systems, tools, and people you’ll need next year—whether that’s automating invoices, hiring support, or tightening your calendar routines. Systems protect your sanity.

Schedule Surrender

Planning is important, but leaving space for God to redirect your path is essential. Create margin in your goals for grace—so if He shifts your timeline, you’re ready to follow.

REMEMBER: Commit your plans to God (Proverbs 16:3). He doesn’t just bless the prepared—He blesses the obedient.

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About the Author:

Ebony James is an executive assistant and operations manager, and founder of The Empire Effect Agency, helping leaders maximize their time, scale their impact, and increase their revenue. Learn more and connect with her on LinkedIn.