You Don't Need January to Reset
- Eli Casaus
- 2 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Happy New Year!
I know—that probably feels strange to say when we’re already two months into 2026. But as a believer, and with today marking the first day of Lent, it feels like the perfect moment for a reset.
We often attach change to moments that make sense—a calendar new year, a birthday, a milestone. But if you’ve been waiting for a time to reset, try something new, or simply narrow your focus, now is just as good as any.
That’s where I find myself today with this blog.
If I’m being honest, I became inconsistent again—with blogging, with sending these out, and even with things I’m deeply passionate about, like the gym. Over time, that inconsistency spilled into multiple areas of my life. So this Lenten season is about pressing pause, recalibrating, and recommitting to becoming a better version of myself and to the mission I believe I’m called to live out.
I’m getting personal with this post. I’m sharing my 40-Day Lenten BINGO Board—a simple tool I’m using to guide my reset—along with context for each focus area for those who want to know more.
Focus Area 1: Daily Focus
We all have the same 24 hours in a day and a limited number of days overall. How we use them matters. After reflecting on my time and energy, I landed on three daily practices I believe will help me show up as my best self.
40-Day Daily Devotional & Bible Study: I’ve struggled to stay consistent with devotionals in the past, but I know how important it is to spend time in God’s Word—reading, reflecting, and growing. Lent feels like the right season to commit to a 40-day Bible reading plan paired with a devotional.
40 Handwritten Letters or Notes: We’re more connected than ever—and yet often more disconnected. My work can be isolating: screens, short visits, constant travel. While I value the relationships I already have, I want to be even more intentional about deeper connection. Going old-school with handwritten notes feels like a meaningful way to check in and encourage others.
40 Days of Journaling: I’ve always loved history and reflection—especially the idea of lives and thoughts being thoughtfully documented. Pairing that appreciation with my belief in reflection makes 40 days of journaling feel like the perfect daily practice for this season.
Focus Area 2: Consistency
We hear it all the time—consistency is key. These are habits I know add value when I practice them regularly.
Returning to Church Consistently: Church was once a steady rhythm in my life. Over time, travel and busyness disrupted that. Lent feels like the right moment to return to community and reconnect where I feel grounded.
Returning to Consistent Gym Activity: Life, travel, mental health struggles, and complacency all played a role in my inconsistency here. This Lent, I’m prioritizing active living again and caring for the body God entrusted me with.
Rebuilding Productivity Routines: I have a lot of balls in the air right now . Falling out of routines has led to overwhelm, and rebuilding those systems is essential for balance and clarity.
Focus Area 3: Intentional Living
In my work, I talk often about staying grounded in your why. When you’re clear on it, you move through life with greater intention. These are three areas I’m prioritizing now.
Intentional Social Media Engagement: Social media has brought meaningful relationships and opportunities into my life—but it also requires discernment. I’m being more intentional about who I follow, what I engage with, and how I show up.
Intentional Use of Screen Time: Between work, scrolling, and streaming, I spend a lot of time on screens. Over the next 40 days, I’m focused on reducing unnecessary screen time and being more present.
Improving Work–Life Balance: Between a full-time job, part-time contract work, a full MSW course load, and a practicum, life feels full. Because of that, balance hasn’t always been where I want it to be. This season is about intentionally tipping the scale.
These are the commitments I’m making over the next 40 days to reset, grow, and better align my life with the mission I believe I’m here to serve.
My invitation to you: If any part of this resonates, take a moment today to name one area where you need a reset—and choose a small, intentional step you can commit to over the next 40 days. You don’t need a perfect plan—just a starting point.
Thanks for being part of this journey. Stay tuned for progress updates—and for my renewed attempt at Coach Eli’s Coaching Huddles make sure to subscribe to my mailing list.