Plan Your Year or Trust the Process?

Every year, around this time, people expect me to talk about goals.

As an executive coach and consultant, I’m known for helping leaders cast vision, map strategy, and think in terms of legacy. I do this work professionally—and personally.

I’ve always been someone who plans. At the end of each year, I typically set goals for the year ahead. Sometimes I add a five-year plan. Often a ten-year plan. I revisit them, refine them, and carry them forward year after year.

Earlier this year, I even hosted a live stream on how to surrender your year and maximize your goals — because both matter.

Vision matters.

Writing things down matters.

Speaking life over your future matters.

Setting bold, worthy goals matters.

But here’s the tension I’ve been sitting with lately:

There comes a point when the most faithful thing we can do is fully surrender and allow God to do what He has already intended to do.

Sometimes we assume that if we can accomplish something, then it must be something we are supposed to accomplish. But the truth is sobering:

I’ve noticed over the years that some goals follow me from one year to the next. They remain on the list—not because I’m lazy or unfocused—but because many of those things are not fully in my control. Some of them are things only God can do on my behalf, and they will only happen if and when they align with His will.

That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t name them.

It does mean we need the right posture toward them.

Back in 2015, I created a vision board and spent intentional time in prayer and fasting over it. I placed those desires before God—many of which He had already placed on my heart.

Fast forward nearly eleven years.

Most of those things have come to pass.

Some are still unfolding.

What’s striking is that I didn’t have to recreate that vision every year. I didn’t need to constantly rewrite it.

God saw the desires of my heart.

He authored them.

And in His timing, He honored them.

There were seasons when I didn’t even look at the vision board. I knew what was on it. Then, years later, I revisited it—only to realize that prayers I had once fasted over had already been answered… and I hadn’t even noticed.

That will humble you.

It reminded me that we can make all the plans we want, but God determines what comes to pass.

Scripture tells us that when we pray according to His will and believe, it will be done. Planning is not the problem. Presumption is.

So as you think about planning your year—or trusting the process—I want to offer three questions for your discernment.

Not because you couldn’t—but because you delayed, overprocessed, waited too long, or stayed stuck in indecision?

God may be waiting on your obedience.

And we have to be honest: delayed obedience is still disobedience.

Some assignments are seasonal. Some doors are temporary. Some moves are not meant to become permanent residences.

What if God already moved on—and He’s waiting for you to move too?

Ask yourself why.

Is it because you haven’t changed your habits, lifestyle, or decisions?

Is it because you haven’t fully surrendered that area?

Or is it because it’s a God-sized thing—one you cannot control—and the timing belongs to Him?

There is nothing wrong with carrying a promise year after year.

But there is a difference between faithful waiting and frustrated striving.

The answer is not either/or.

You should plan your year.

It’s wise. It’s intentional. It’s disciplined. Writing the vision still matters.

And you should trust the process.

Pray. Fast. Listen. Obey. Release what you cannot control.

Trust that God is working even when your checklist remains unfinished.

Planning puts structure around your faith.

Trusting the process keeps your faith surrendered.

Both are required.

I’d love to know your thoughts.

Are you planning your year—or learning to trust the process more deeply?

If you’d like to revisit the conversation, you can watch the live stream on surrendering your year and maximizing your goals here:

And if you’re seeking support—whether through coaching, strategic counsel, or simply a thought partner as you prepare for 2026—I’d be honored to walk with you.

Connect with me here: https://calendly.com/draerial

Let’s be intentional.

Let’s be obedient.

And let’s trust God to do what only He can do.