A new year often inspires fresh resolve. We plan more carefully, set ambitious goals, and commit to making this time different. But year after year, many resolutions quietly fade—not because people lack sincerity, but because most change efforts rely on willpower alone.

That’s where a deeper, more biblical approach to change comes in.

Today on Faith & Finance, I sat down with Taylor Standridge, Production Manager at FaithFi and lead writer of Our Ultimate Treasure and Look at the Sparrows, to explore why so many resolutions fail—and what Scripture reveals about change that truly lasts.

Why Willpower Isn’t Enough

Taylor explained that most resolutions fade because they’re built on effort rather than formation.

“Willpower is a limited resource,” Taylor said. “We assume that if we just try harder or become more disciplined, we’ll finally become the person we want to be. But once motivation wears off, or life gets stressful, old patterns take over.”

According to Taylor, the problem isn’t that people set bad goals—it’s that they try to change actions without addressing identity. Without a deeper shift in what we value and who we believe we are, even the best intentions eventually lose momentum.

“We may change what we do for a while,” Taylor said, “but if we don’t change the kind of person we’re becoming, those changes won’t last.”

Behavior Change vs. Identity Transformation

Taylor drew a helpful distinction between modifying behavior and experiencing true transformation.

“Behavior change is about effort—showing up, pushing through, saying no,” he said. “But identity transformation reshapes our desires and motivations. It changes why we choose what we choose.”

That’s why FaithFi emphasizes the idea that behavior follows belief. When change focuses only on habits, goals often end once they’re achieved. But when change is rooted in identity, it cultivates a way of life that continues beyond any milestone.

“It’s the difference between acting healthy and becoming the kind of person who naturally chooses health,” Taylor explained.

How Identity Changes the Way We Set Goals

To illustrate, Taylor pointed to health resolutions—one of the most common goals people set each year.

“A behavior-based goal might be, ‘I want to lose 20 pounds,’” Taylor said. “That’s fine—but once the weight is gone, the motivation often disappears.”

An identity-based goal asks a deeper question: What kind of person do I want to become?

“When someone says, ‘I want to honor God by caring for the body He’s given me,’ everything changes,” Taylor said. “Now the goal isn’t just a number—it’s a lifestyle.”

Identity-driven goals last because they’re rooted in purpose, not pressure.

Applying Identity to Financial Resolutions

Taylor said this approach is especially powerful when applied to financial goals.

“Let’s say someone wants to pay off $20,000 in debt,” he said. “That’s a great goal—but it becomes far more meaningful when it’s rooted in identity.”

Instead of focusing solely on eliminating debt, Taylor encouraged believers to frame their financial goals around stewardship.

“When someone says, ‘I want to be a wise steward so I can live with freedom and give generously,’ the goal becomes formative,” he explained. “That identity continues shaping decisions long after the debt is gone.”

According to Taylor, identity-based stewardship influences spending, saving, giving, and long-term financial faithfulness—not just one year’s resolution.

Scripture Shows That Change Starts in the Heart

Taylor pointed out that this inward-first approach isn’t a modern idea—it’s woven throughout Scripture.

“God has always been after our hearts, not just our habits,” Taylor said. “Israel had clear commands, but having the law wasn’t enough. Their hearts were unchanged, so their lives were unchanged.”

That’s why God promised to give His people a new heart and a new spirit. Taylor noted that Jesus echoed this truth when He taught that a tree is known by its fruit—what we produce flows from who we are.

“God isn’t impressed by performance alone,” Taylor said. “He desires people who trust Him and live out of that trust.”

The Holy Spirit Makes Lasting Change Possible

Taylor emphasized that true transformation is not self-generated—it’s Spirit-empowered.

“External rules can restrain behavior, but they can’t renew desires,” he said. “The new heart God gives doesn’t just help us try harder—it reorders what we love.”

Under the new covenant, believers don’t rely on their own strength to change. Instead, the Holy Spirit reshapes desires and produces fruit like self-control, patience, and faithfulness.

“These qualities are called the fruit of the Spirit for a reason,” Taylor said. “They grow naturally as we remain rooted in Christ.”

As the new year begins, Taylor encouraged believers to start with prayerful reflection rather than immediate goal-setting.

“Ask, ‘Lord, where are You inviting growth in my life?’” he said. “Pay attention to holy dissatisfaction—the places where God is gently nudging you toward change.”

Taylor also encouraged seeking wisdom from Scripture and trusted believers, noting that identity is not something we invent, but something God forms in us.

“The goal is alignment,” he said. “Not creating a new identity, but embracing the one God is already shaping through His Spirit.”

Let Goals Flow from Identity

Once identity is clear, Taylor said goals become expressions—not endpoints.

“If you want to be a faithful steward, build practices that reflect that,” he said. “Budget, automate savings, grow in generosity. If you want to be healthier, choose routines that align with that identity.”

Taylor emphasized the value of structure and measurable goals, noting that tools such as progress tracking and target-setting drive accountability. But he stressed that numbers should never become the foundation of change.

“Goals can be reached. Circumstances can shift,” Taylor said. “Identity is what lasts.” In closing, Taylor offered a simple but powerful encouragement.

“Start small. Trust the Holy Spirit. Focus on faithfulness, not perfection,” he said. “You’re not pursuing change alone. The God who calls you to transformation walks with you and delights in your growth.”

When resolutions flow from who God is shaping us to be, they don’t just last for a year—they shape us for a lifetime.

On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:

I took out a Parent PLUS loan for my son years ago, and after falling behind, the balance has grown to about $20,000. I’m a few years from retirement and can’t afford to carry this debt into retirement. Should I tap my 401(k), even with penalties, or reduce my contributions—while keeping my employer match—and use that money to pay the loan down? I haven’t qualified for forgiveness or income-driven repayment and need direction.
My husband and I are 40 and 42, debt-free, and paid cash for our home and our kids’ college. We have $140,000 in savings, including a $40,000 emergency fund, and want to invest the remaining $100,000. We’re both self-employed and don’t have employer retirement plans. What’s the best way to invest this money?

Resources Mentioned:

Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every workday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God’s resources.

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