Every year I make a list of New Years Resolutions. Some years the goals I've set for myself are reasonable and I complete them but other years, I just don't get around to them. You know how it is… school, chores, and a bunch of other things claim hold of my attention at present. This year, 2014, I've thought long and hard about which goals I want to make my resolutions. Not only that, but I've also taken broad goals like "Get Fit" and described exactly what I hope to achieve.
1. Read the whole Bible in a year
- Stay on track each day.
- Write down at least one verse that ministered me from that day's portion.
Why?
For several years, I had done a plan where I read the whole Bible in 90 days! It was a blessing but also a testing time for me. Each day I had to read 16+ chapters (I'd finish the book of Genesis in about 3 days) so I would constantly fall behind and feel a bit overwhelmed. There wasn't time for in-depth study or even putting much thought into what I was reading. I've decided to take a more manageable approach and read the whole Bible in a year. This way, I have time to study and write down any questions I may have.
2. Get fit
- Eat better, healthier foods.
- Drink much more water, 4+ cups a day.
- Exercise daily.
Why?
I like junk food. I do. It's just so good but not good for me. I've decided that it's about time to eat better food and do exercises more often. I get winded walking up a flight of stairs… but that's going to change!
3. Get Organized
- Straighten up my room once a week and put away what ever didn't get put away before.
- Keep up with my pen pal letters.
- Keep my journal and chore calendar updated.
Why?
I've lost way to many papers, sent out way to many letters later than I intended and quit writing in way to many journals this year!
4. Manage my finances
- Track my deposits and withdrawals.
- Set a monthly budget and not exceed it!
Why?
Last year I spent money and didn't always write down my deposits or withdrawals. I want to be a good steward of what the Lord has blessed me with and that means managing my money properly and knowing how much needs to go to tithe and offering.
5. Work on my character
- Exercise and live out the Fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control) even when it seems impossible.
- Be more patient and forgiving.
- Be more disciplined.
Why?
I realized that this past year, I wasn't fully living out the purpose and calling God had for my life. I want to walk in love more and in turn, reflect God's love.
6. Work on the things that make me happy
- Photography: Buy my camera! (This is definitely {hopefully} going to happen!)
- Web and print design: I've had a passion for this creative outlet and I think I'll pursue it further.
Why?
I really enjoy being creative and sometimes, that creativity pulls me in so many directions. I want to hone in on certain skills I think God had blessed me with, and perfect them for His glory. He has given me so many ideas and I can't wait to see where they take me!
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Like I siad before, I haven't always stuck with every one of my New Years Resolutions, but I have learned how to keep those that are really important to my heart.
1. Decide.
Which goals are most important to you? Why are they important? When you decide on what you want to accomplish this year, you are giving yourself purpose and direction, which is the first step to persevering throughout the year
2. Write it down + break it down.
Like I did above, I wrote down my goals and broke them down into smaller pieces. I was specific in what I wanted to accomplish with each goal. In this step, you can begin planning your first step. In the instance of buying my camera (which I REALLY want) I can start with doing research and comparing models.
3. Keep going.
I know that around February, we can start to forget about our goals and the passion we had at the beginning of the year starts to dwindle down to almost nothing. When this happens, the best thing to do is to remember why you started that particular goal in the first place. Even if you give up (which, in the name of Jesus won't happen!) you can always start up again! A year from now, you'll be glad you started today!
4. Celebrate!
After you've made sacrifices to fulfill your dreams and goals, you have to celebrate. Maybe you can buy yourself something pretty or indulge in something fun, like a spa day? In the instance of my goal "Get fit", I plan on setting apart a jar that I'll put a dollar into each time I exercise. Then, at the end of the year, I'll have, what I hope will be a good wad of cash and treat myself to something.
What are some of your New Years Resolutions? What are some methods that help you stay on track? I"d love to learn your secrets :)
Finally, remember that no matter what happened last year, no matter the failures, this is a new year and a new slate to write down your goals and dreams.
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away;
behold, all things have become new.
behold, all things have become new.
2 Corinthians 5:17 NKJV
