Progress Over Perfection

January has a way of stirring something in all of us. A fresh page. A clean calendar. New goals and plans that feel possible again. And I love that—because God has designed us for growth, for renewal, and for hopeful new beginnings.

But if we’re honest, the hardest part isn’t setting a goal—it’s staying with it when life gets busy, motivation fades, or we miss the mark on a tough day. There’s actually a day people talk about every year called “Quitter’s Day”—the second Friday in January, when many people tend to give up on their New Year’s resolutions. In 2026, that falls on Friday, January 9.

Here’s the encouragement I want to offer you: Every day is a chance for a new beginning—not just January 1st. If you slip up, that doesn’t mean you’ve failed. It just means you’re human. Take a breath. Ask, “What’s one small step I can take today?” Then take it. Real progress is built on consistency over time—not perfection in a moment.

That same mindset matters for our mission at Hope. Last year’s accomplishments were incredible, and I’m deeply grateful—because none of it happens without a community that believes uninsured neighbors deserve compassionate, affordable care. And as we step into this new year, we’re not slowing down. We have even bigger goals ahead, and we’re committed to supporting our community even more—bringing hope, help, and healing through care that treats the whole person with dignity and compassion.

So if you’ve set a goal this year, keep going. If you’ve missed a day, start again today. And if you’re walking through a hard season, please know this: you’re not alone—and there is always Hope.

With gratitude and blessings,
Cliff Sweazey
Executive Director, Hope Healthcare Services