Ring in the new
With January practically upon us, it’s time to think of New Year’s resolutions again. Those promises that we make to ourselves to improve on the things we didn’t do so well at in the previous year. I have to admit I’m pretty useless when it comes to resolutions and don’t normally make them but out of sheer curiosity I did a little search for those resolutions that are the most popular and according to wikipedia these are the things you are most likely to find on people’s New Years resolution list.
- Be more positive, laugh more often, enjoy life
- Get out of debt, save money, make small investments
- Perform better at current job, get a better job, establish own business
- Get a better education, learn something new, study often, read more books, improve talents
- Become more organized, be less stressed, watch less television
- Take a trip
- Volunteer to help others, give to charity
Get along better with people - Make new friends
- Spend time with family members
- Get engaged/get married, have kids
- Pray more, be closer to God, be more spiritual
- Be more involved in sports or different activities
Not as easy as it seems
Sadly according to Forbes magazine, only 8% of those who set themselves resolutions actually succeed. That’s not a great success rate, and yet every year a large number of us continue to make goals for the New Year to improve ourselves and our lifestyle.
Where it all began
The origins of New Year resolutions can be traced as far back as the Babylonians, when the people vowed to return things they had borrowed and to pay off their debts. It wasn’t until the days of the Roman empire that New Year was celebrated in January as we do today. When this tradition first emerged the theme was very much to do with moral behaviour and invariably focused on treating others well.
Looking back, looking forward
I’ve never been great at setting or keeping resolutions but I do think that the beginning of a new year is a great opportunity to look back over the past 12 months and consider your successes and struggles. It’s also the ideal time to dream big for the coming year and put together a game plan on how best to achieve those things your want to add to your life. It’s about being intentional and not leaving the important things to chance and letting the time you have slip by without taking action.
Have a game plan
If you are hoping to make and keep your New Year’s resolutions here are a few things that can help you make goals you can stick to.
1. Keep it simple – don’t create a list as long as your arm that you have trouble remembering. Pick one or two things you want to achieve and leave it there. It’s better to be successful at one thing than to fail at six.
2. Be specific – instead of saying I want to read more, try saying I will read a book a month. Give yourself mile markers along the way so you can take small steps to your overall goal.
3. Keep your goal in plain view – write down your goal and keep it where you can see it. Remind yourself of what you’re trying to do and tick off your achievements as you go and keep yourself motivated.
In Proverbs chapter 16 and verse 9 the bible says:
We plan the way we want to live, but only GOD makes us able to live it. (The Message)
As much as we like to plan and make personal goals and resolutions, statistics tell us that even our best intentions can fail to make a difference in the long run. This doesn’t mean it’s not a good idea to plan, but in our own strength real change is difficult to achieve. It’s God in us that really makes the difference.