New Year, Same Grace: Why 2025 is the Year to Do Things Different
Written by: Rebecca Bates
Hi I’m Rebecca.
I’m a full-time athletic trainer, single mom and the founder of Built Different, a faith-driven community focused on empowering women to prioritize their wellness—mind, body, and soul
It’s February 1, and the world has been buzzing with “New Year, New Me” energy. You’ve probably seen the posts filling your feed—people setting lofty goals, committing to big changes, and embracing fresh starts. Let me start by saying: there’s no shame in that! There’s something so beautiful about the hope and motivation that a new year brings.
But this year, I feel led to do things differently. Over the years, I’ve realized that chasing perfection only led me to burnout, frustration, and feeling like I’m never enough. I was constantly trying to meet a standard I’d set for myself, only to fall short time and time again. But in those moments of defeat, I began to sense God whispering something different to my heart—you don’t have to do this alone. That’s when it hit me: God doesn’t call us to strive for perfection. Instead, He invites us to rely on His strength and grace, trusting that His power is made perfect in our weakness. Psalm 46:1 says: “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” That truth changed everything for me. Instead of setting goals that focus only on outward achievements, I felt a pull to create goals that reflect a heart surrendered to Him. This year, I invite you to join me in allowing God a glimpse into our goals. Lean into His grace with me, as we pursue growth that’s deeper than surface-level resolutions. Together, we can focus on becoming women God created us to be—body, mind, and soul.
That’s exactly what the Built Different: Body & Soul Challenge is about—helping each of us (because I desperately need this too) grow spiritually and physically through intentional habits, all in a way that feels rooted in purpose and grace.
Here are some steps to help us make 2025 a meaningful, purpose-filled year. The new year is the perfect opportunity to reset, refocus, and re-prioritize. These six principles can help set you up for success—physically, spiritually, and emotionally.
1. Unfollow What Doesn’t Build You Up: Social media can be a blessing, but it can also feel like a burden. Take inventory of who and what you’re following. Does it bring value to your life? Does it encourage you to grow closer to God? If not, it might be time to hit the unfollow button. You have permission to protect your heart and mind.
2. Take Back Your Time: We all know how easy it is to lose hours scrolling on our phones. This year, let’s challenge ourselves to limit screen time and create space for what truly matters. I use the tools our phones already have to create limits on anything I don’t want to spend an exorbitant amount of time on, like social media.
3. Spend Time with the Lord Daily: Whether it’s reading scripture, journaling, or meditating on His Word, daily time with God is a game-changer. I love inviting friends and family to follow a Bible plan together to help build this habit. There’s no better way to center our hearts than by prioritizing Him first.
4. Prioritize Whole Foods: Your body is a temple, and what you fuel it with matters. This year, let’s focus on eating whole, God-made foods that sustain our energy and nourish our bodies. It’s not about perfection—just progress toward healthier choices that honor Him. And my brain doesn’t automatically go to eating those brussel sprouts over my favorite pizza. But rather, choosing to enjoy the foods I love while adding in a healthier choice alongside.
5. Find Accountability: You weren’t meant to do this life alone. Whether it’s a close friend, or a small group, find someone who will walk alongside you and push you when you need it. Accountability makes all the difference. Jennie Allen says, “This is the lost art of our generation. We’ve forgotten that this is the main calling on our lives as believers in Jesus Christ, that we would be discipled and that we would be making disciples.”
6. Show Up Consistently with Movement: Moving your body doesn’t have to mean hours at the gym. Keep it realistic and attainable to you and your personal health goals. Whether it’s a daily walk, a yoga session, a living room dance party, or a fitness plan you enjoy, showing up consistently is what matters most.
Let’s be real—there will be days when things don’t go as planned. And that’s okay. Remember: God’s grace will meet you exactly where you are. This journey isn’t about striving for perfection; it’s about showing up, doing the work, and trusting God to fill in the gaps.
Join Rebecca’s Community
If you’re ready for something new this year—something that nurtures both your body and soul—I’d love for you to consider joining the Built Different Free Collective. Together, we’ll focus on movement, prayer, scripture reading, and accountability in a way that’s purpose-driven and free of perfectionism.
Once in the free community, you’ll receive first notice when my next challenges are released and any other exciting announcements that allow us to walk this journey together. Let’s make 2025 a year of intentional living, spiritual growth, and healthier habits.
Wherever you’re starting from, know that you are loved, you are capable, and you are not in this alone. God is with you, cheering you on every step of the way. Let’s make this year different, together.
