New Year, New Habits: A Pilgrim's Guide to Real Change
Ready to turn resolutions into lasting change? Discover how a simple Bible reading plan and a pilgrim's mindset can transform your habits step by step.
Dear Pilgrims!
The start of a new year often brings with it a sense of possibility. We reflect on the year gone by and think about the changes we want to make – better habits, a simpler life, maybe even a deeper connection to God. But let’s be honest: how often have we made New Year’s resolutions, only to give up a few weeks later?
That’s why I’ve put together something special for you: a Bible reading plan called “HABITS”. It combines timeless wisdom from Scripture with practical psychology to help you break free from old patterns and establish new habits that last.
Why is change so hard?
We often fail at making changes because we don’t fully understand how habits work or what’s really driving our behaviours. On top of that, we set ourselves up for failure with unrealistic goals.
Pilgrimages are all about change – questioning ourselves how we want to live. They give us the opportunity to slow us down, think, and reconnect us with what really matters. Whether you’re planning a pilgrimage soon or just feel like life itself is one big journey, this Bible reading plan is your companion for building habits that align with the person you want to become.
The Plan: A Journey of Six Days
“HABITS” is a six-day guide that leads you step by step towards lasting change. Each day focuses on one key principle for forming new habits and includes Bible verses to help you dig deeper into the spiritual side of personal growth:
Healthy Identity: Start by understanding who you are in God’s eyes. You’re more than your past mistakes, and real change starts with embracing this truth.
Ask for Help: Change is easier when you lean on others. Whether it’s a friend, a mentor, or God Himself, don’t try to do it all alone.
Be Kind to Yourself: Growth isn’t about perfection. Give yourself grace when you stumble and remember that even small steps are progress.
Investigate & Make Changes: Take a closer look at your habits. What triggers them? What rewards are you seeking? Tweak the patterns that don’t serve you.
Trust the God-Process: Like a pilgrimage, change happens one step at a time. Trust that God is working with you, even when progress feels slow.
Small Wins: Every little success is a stone on the path to bigger change. Celebrate them, and let them motivate you to keep going.
How It Works
The plan is simple and flexible. Download the free PDF, then set aside time each day:
Morning: Read the day’s resources and Bible verses.
Throughout the day: Reflect on the questions.
Evening: Journal your thoughts and apply the first steps.
This rhythm mirrors the pace of a pilgrimage: step by step, with time to reflect and adjust as you go.
A Pilgrim's Perspective
I first used the Bible reading plan during a pilgrimage along the Baltic Sea coast. Before that, I had spent a lot of time studying how to build habits, but putting that theoretical knowledge into practice felt challenging. It often seemed cold and calculated. However, incorporating Bible verses into the process made it feel more personal, almost as though it was under God’s blessing.
On the pilgrimage, I had endless time. In the mornings, I would take my time reading and reflecting on the texts. During the day, I walked alone along the seemingly infinite coastline. The meditative sound of the waves and the vast expanse of sea and sky allowed me to dive deeply into my thoughts: What do I truly need? What is missing in my life? And how can I achieve it?
In the evenings, I wrote my thoughts down in my pilgrimage journal. Through this process, I uncovered new insights and connections I hadn’t seen before. Of course, six days aren’t enough to fully establish a new habit. But if you follow this plan – ideally on your own pilgrimage – you’ll start with a tremendous advantage and a clear sense of direction.
Ready to Start?
Click here to download the Bible reading plan.
I’d love to hear how it goes for you. Whether you’re preparing for your next pilgrimage or just looking to make some changes in your everyday life, this plan is here to help.
Buen Camino,
Alex