Middle of December is about the time of year when I start thinking about New Year’s resolutions. Goals are thought of, written down, and plans are put into place to have a successful new year.
Clearly, I am not alone in this endeavor. Corporations, small-business boutiques and people alike want the incoming year to be better than the last and set about the task of making that happen. Company planning meetings are arranged, financial planners are called in and personal trainers are hired.
If success is what we plan for, then why aren’t we all flourishing today because of the goals we set last year?
I’m pretty sure I know what my problem is…excuses.
Yep! The excuses are rampant and frequent and I’ve got one for every goal that I haven’t accomplished! It’s just so easy to come up with an excuse instead of taking action towards a triumphant end.
We’ve all heard the excuses: It’s too hard. I don’t have time. I’ll do it tomorrow. It really wasn’t realistic anyway. I’m too old. I’m too young. I have a family. I have a job. I have a life. If it was meant to be it would happen. I’m waiting for the right time.
WOW! I’m meddling, now! I’ve said every single one of those excuses. I’ve also been lazy, listened to naysayers, believed I wasn’t capable of change and worst of all….THOUGHT I WASN’T WORTH IT!
Why? Oh, Lord, WHY? I think my biggest mistake is not asking God to guide me in this process.
How many times have I set goals without consulting my Maker? Too many to count. I consider myself of average intelligence, so why has this detail escaped me? It’s amazing that I ask God to bless my efforts, but I fail to ask Him what He wants me to do in the first place.
This year I’m changing my resolution strategy. Here’s how.
I’m going to thank God for my blessings. Yep! I’m starting out with a grateful and thankful heart to get this process going!
I’m going to pray about what my goals should be. Duh!?! Sounds like the biggest change in the plan.
I’m going to LISTEN. Huh? I guess this means I’ll have to shut up for a moment and see what happens. This doesn’t happen very often, so I’ll definitely be letting you know how it goes!
I’ll get back to you in a few weeks when the new year rolls around. How are you going to plan for the next year?
Some Wisdom for Today: Proverbs 3:5-6 – Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
Comments