Moving Forward
New Year’s Resolutions. We’ve all made them and by March most of us have broken them, forgotten them or plain ole given up on them! Then we beat ourselves up over our failure. We wonder why we couldn’t lose that weight, save money, stop binge watching Netflix, keep up with going to the gym, be nicer, memorize a scripture a week or find a place to serve in Church. This list could go on and on!
Why do we fail? Do we need to start smaller? Change the length of time for our New Year resolution. Nobody said it has to be for the whole year, although our resolutions are usually lifestyle changes, so they should be for life!
Smaller more attainable goals are probably more achievable. When you think about it the new year shouldn’t be the only time to make a change in our lives. Anytime we feel we should change something we should immediately start working on it. Hopefully most of us don’t wait until January to start these changes.
What does it really take to succeed?
Bring God into our journey. We must believe we are able to succeed because he is with us and always wants the best for us. Our ultimate goal should be to do Gods will, we can achieve this by cultivating a strong and meaningful relationship with Him through prayer and Bible study. Allow God to lead you.
The heart of man plans his way,
but the Lord establishes his steps. Proverbs 16:9 ESV“So, what does all this mean? If God has determined to stand with us, tell me, who then could ever stand against us? Romans 8:31 TPT
Putting a reminder in front of us is important.
“Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so he may run who reads it.” Habakkuk 2:2 ESV
Having our goals plainly written out step by step helps us stay on track. Having those steps in front of us serves as a reminder to stay committed and take steps each and every day toward our goal.
A partner for accountability and motivation is important too. Someone who encourages us and celebrate the wins. As well as commiserate over any losses.
“Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up” Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 ESV
It’s always easier to try something new with a trusted friend by our side. Someone who either wants what we want or who is a brilliant encourager. Someone to help us up if we fall. Brush us off and take us by the hand to help us get back on track.
Reward yourself when goals are met. Treat yourself to a new Bible after memorizing proverbs or buy your favourite smoothie from ‘Smoothie King’ after 1 month of consecutively working out 3-5 days a week. Give yourself a high five for a job well done. I know this seems weird but positive affirmation goes a long way, even a self-high five in a mirror. It’s been scientifically proven to boost confidence. Read below:
There’s nothing wrong with making New Year’s Resolutions however, habits that turn into lifestyle changes are so much better. We can keep those going way past March!
I want to encourage you to keep moving forward, keep working toward your goals. Bring God into your plans. Better still ask him how to make them attainable. Keep showing up for yourself, your goals and your dreams. Celebrate your wins, learn from your disappointments. Read your bible for inspiration. Pray for direction. Go to Church to find your people, those who love you, encourage you and celebrate with you. Love God. Be kind to yourself and give yourself grace. You CAN reach your goals and fulfill God’s purpose.