Like millions of other Americans, I tend to think of a new year as a fresh start—a time to set goals or resolutions that, when accomplished, will help make me slimmer, healthier, more well-read, a better dog owner, a reliable volunteer in my community, or countless other personal milestones.

But essentially, when I make those resolutions, I’m really simply trying to list ways I can be a better person. And being a better person begins with some fundamentals.

Last week I happened to come across this short piece in an old issue of The Christian Advocate magazine, and it seemed to crystallize all the reasons—and all the outcomes—I’m seeking to accomplish when I make my new year’s resolutions.

While my typical resolutions often focus on the external—my health, my hobbies, or my schedule—Philip L. Frick’s “Ten Commandments” remind me that a truly “fresh start” is an internal journey.

If I really want to improve myself, I need to do more than just check off a list of goals or develop a new habit or two; I need to always keep a higher purpose in mind as the basis for everything I do.

Maybe not all of Mr. Frick’s Ten Commandments will resonate with you, but perhaps at least one or two will speak to your heart as we step into 2026 together.

For me, these simple guidelines are a reminder that the best version of myself isn’t found in a gym membership or a reading challenge—it’s found in the everyday choices I make to put God first and love others well.

Here’s to a year of real transformation, one small step at a time!