It's the time of year when many people make New Year's resolutions. So, what's at the top of your resolution list right now?
Weight loss?
Financial stability?
Career change?
Relationship healing?
Read on to find three ways to accomplish your New Year's resolutions.
1. Determine a simple, long-term goal.
According to University of Scranton Journal of Clinical Psychology, only 8% of people accomplish their New Year's resolutions. Why? The data suggests that people start with good intentions but burn out quickly due to a lack of results.
It's understandable. We live in a results-driven world. "Lose 20 pounds in 30 days or less!" "Unlock the secret to becoming a millionaire in weeks!" Ads these days offer ridiculous promises with unbelievable turnaround times. While these promises seem enticing, they ignore the truth: accomplishments come by hard work and small, incremental wins.
Instead of making a resolution this year with the intention of accomplishing it in a short amount of time, try setting one simple, long-term goal broken into smaller incremental "wins."
Take Action: Once you determine your goal, choose a deadline and be reasonable with your timing as to avoid burnout. Then split up your resolution into incremental goals based on the weeks and months leading up to your deadline.
For example, if your resolution is to read a 300-page book by April 1, establish a plan to read 100 pages each month (25 pages each week).
2. Get motivated.
As you jot down resolutions this year, consider your motives. Why, for instance, do you want to lose weight? Is it to honor God by becoming a healthier parent and enabling your body to serve others? Or is it simply for vanity's sake?
Search your true motivation. Turn to God's Word. He will speak to you and guide you every step of the way of your goals and resolutions.
Take Action: As you create a list and set your resolutions, make a point to read the Bible at the same time. Meditate on your list and ask God for the tools to carry out His plans. Ask specifically for faith, humility and diligence. If you're not sure where to start in the Bible, try out the Book of Philippians.
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” —Philippians 4:8
3. Make time for God.
Goal-setting and New Year's resolutions are great. They give us a chance to start over and for self-improvement. But as you take time for yourself, also make sure that you're making time for God. Here are a few things to consider:
Don't let goals get in the way of the vital things in your life.
For example, while pharisees were busy with good things such as studying Scripture, they missed something vital: noticing and worshiping God.
Don't let busyness be a substitute for worship.
Set aside time specifically for you and God. If necessary, make a schedule for personal/spiritual reflection, setting times to seek Christ and worship Him.
Don't let your association with God be a substitute for following Him.
Many pharisees were content in their association with God, but few truly knew Him. Seek God and ask for the wisdom and patience to truly know Him.
Take Action: Consider purchasing a study Bible
This article is courtesy of HomeLife magazine.