RESOLVE IN RESOLUTIONS
As we’ve just entered the New Year I’ve heard a lot of talk about resolutions. We’re over a month into the new year! January has come and gone, but have you kept your resolution so far? Why is it that most of us hold onto a resolution for a month or so then slowly start to forget it? To be honest, I can’t even recall what my resolutions have been in the past! That’s how quickly I forgot and didn’t follow through with them! I do think it’s a good idea to set goals for the new year but how do we make those goals a reality?
5 WAYS TO KEEP YOUR RESOLUTIONS
1. Remember your purpose or your “why.”
I think a huge key for success is putting purpose back into our resolutions and knowing why we’re making the changes we’re making. The Bible says that without vision the people perish (Proverbs 29:18) and I think this applies to our goals too. Maybe without vision, our resolutions perish too? Without a clear goal, purpose, or picture in your mind of the impact you’d like to make this year, life will aimlessly just continue to happen around you. So ask yourself, why do you want to change a habit, start that business or pursue that dream? Your “why” will fuel you when you hit apathy or the challenges that come with making any change for good.
2. Know your season.
Having a vision or mission statement is often seen as something big companies should have, but I beg to differ. I believe that anyone with a purpose in life, who wants to live life with intention, could benefit from having a clear vision or goal for the new year. Maybe you’re in college and still figuring out what you’re called to do in life; well do you have roommates? What’s your vision for your home and what you’re building in your roommate relationships? Maybe you’re a stay-at-home mom (a job I highly value and honor) and you have a dream for what your family will be, do and accomplish together this year? Passion is where vision begins! Wherever you are in life, what areas do you want to see impacted in 2017?
3. Write it down.
The process of sitting and writing something down serves a few purposes. It helps you to gain focus and clarity as you process what you’re dreaming about, and it empowers you into ownership. An idea written down is one step further than an idea floating around in your mind. Invite God into this process, allow your heart to dream with him, and listen to hear if He’s speaking anything specific over your for 2017. If you can clearly articulate your vision for the new year in writing, you’ll have something tangible to hold onto and go after.
4. Share it with others.
Once you share your goals for 2017 with a mentor or your friends, it gives you someone to be accountable to. That kind of vulnerability will only strengthen you as people can check in and cheer you on! Also, if you’re dreaming or setting resolutions for a team you’re leading, communicating your vision will create a sense of expectation in those who hear it, and will infuse hope and ownership into the hearts of those you lead.
5. Revisit it.
It wouldn’t help to go through steps 1-4 if you only do that for a week. I think the reason why we so often fail to keep our resolutions is because we simply get distracted by the busyness and things that “come up.” What we forget is that we are in charge of setting the priorities for our own lives. It’s important to revisit your goal, whether that be weekly or monthly, to see how far you’ve come and adjust your behavior along the way.
What are some of your goals or resolutions for 2017? I’d love to hear about them in the comments below!
