A lot of us like to make New Year’s resolutions. They can be a good thing, causing us to accomplish long-held goals. However, sometimes failing to meet these objectives can make us feel defeated. So, how can we use the New Year as a positive time to make changes that are important to us?
Habakkuk 2:2 says: “Then the Lord answered me and said, ‘Write down the vision and inscribe it clearly on tablets, so that one who reads it may run.’” This implies that writing down your goals is a key to success. So, what is your vision? I suggest you think about three things you want to change. These are the things you write down. I know, you’re thinking, “But I have twenty-three really important areas in my life that need transformation!” This is probably why you’ve failed at New Year’s resolutions in the past. Your goals are overwhelming…and impossible. Look at it this way. Accomplishing three goals is much better than failing at twenty-three. I suggest you choose the three things that are the most important to you. Write them down in a notebook. I wouldn’t suggest using a planner unless that really works for you. Why? Let’s say you’re like me and want to add a regular exercise program to your life. If you decide exactly what days you’ll work out over the next year…you’re doomed to fail. Why? Because life happens. If you get sick, if your work schedule changes, or if you decide to go on vacation, there goes the plan. Suddenly, you see yourself as failing at your goals. Feeling like a failure can cause you to give up completely. So, how do you avoid that? Simply write down that you want to exercise one day every week. Maybe Wednesday is your “goal day.” But if something happens, exercise on Thursday…or even Friday or Saturday. As long as you accomplish your exercise goal during the week, you’ve succeeded! And the feeling of victory will carry you through to the next week. You’re probably thinking, “Only one day a week? My goal is at least three days every week!” I understand, and that is my goal too, but a plan to exercise just one day every week is a good starting point. Starting out at three days may not work for you. And again, we’re trying to avoid that feeling of failure. How about exercising one day every week for three months? Then twice a week for the next three months? Once you’ve got this under your belt, you can move on to bigger and better things. One important thing to remember - don’t overdo the exercise at first. In other words, maybe running a mile once a week is too much. But doing chair exercises to strengthen your legs (my goal) is a good starting point. If you like to dance, you can sweat to the oldies with Richard Simmons. Find something you like to do! And phone a friend if that works for you. Maybe you can go for a walk with someone who shares your goal. It can make your exercise enjoyable. Walk once a week until you’re both comfortable with it. Then maybe increase to a couple of times per week. Again, make it fun!
Maybe your goal for the new year is to lose weight. Going on a strict liquid diet sounds good, but again, not really doable. Maybe for some of you, switching to diet soda, tea, or water instead of drinking sugary soda is the first goal. Then, stop eating after seven o’clock at night. Cutting down on sugar and junk food is a goal you can achieve. I like one particular diet plan. It allows you to save up “extra points” that you can use on the weekend if you’ve stayed on goal during the week. Or maybe, you can stay on a diet plan during the week but not worry about it on the weekend. How can this work? If you’re doing well during the week, you won’t want to throw everything you’ve gained (or lost) away on the weekends. The most important thing is to find what works for you. And just like the goal of exercising, if you fail for a day or two, don’t worry about it. Leave some cushion in your plan so you don’t feel as if you’ve blown the whole program. You haven’t!
Whatever your goals are, this mindset can work for you. For some of us, taking some time to relax may be our most important goal. In that case, brew a cup of tea, get comfortable, and read a book. I can recommend some! LOL!
In conclusion, making New Year’s resolutions is a good thing as long as they don’t destroy your “vision.” Write your goals down and find a way to enjoy the journey. And reward yourself when you reach your target. Maybe you and your workout buddy can take a day off and get your nails done or spend a day relaxing at the pool. If you’re doing this on your own, buy one piece of your favorite cake for every ten pounds you lose. It won’t derail you as long as you keep it under control.
Praying you not only enjoy the new year, but you find a way to make your life better.
God bless,
Find out more at https://nancylmehl.blogspot.com.
Article published in The Relatable Voice Magazine - January 2025.
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