A new day, a new opportunity

Imagine yourself a year from today. Are you the same shape as today? In the same shape? Or have you been eating right and working out? Is there anything you’d like to accomplish between now and then? Maybe organize your office, or take tropical vacation, or run a marathon? How about helping out in a local soup kitchen? Imagine yourself reflecting on your achievements, or your new lifestyle. Imagine the “higher” you and create a friendship with that person. I love this concept, brought to me by Yogi tea.

Statistics indicate fewer than half of the adult population in America usually make New Year resolutions. Of those, fewer than 10% claim to consistently achieve their goals, although half claim to infrequently meet with success. This means only ~25% of us set goals with reasonable optimism, anticipating the goal will be met, the habit changed, the world made better for our determined efforts.

As the first few weeks of the new year pass by, many give up on their goals and return to whatever habits they were hoping to change. By the end of January, over a third of the resolutions made are abandoned; by July, over half. So, the odds are good that even if you did make resolutions for yourself this year, by now they’re not looking good.

But, the most important conclusion is “People who explicitly make resolutions are 10 times more likely to attain their goals than people who don’t explicitly make resolutions.”

• The critical first step is defining the goal(s).
  • Note to self: spend time studying effective goal setting techniques.

Here are some additional considerations, based on scripture.

• Make sure your goal is pleasing to God. 
• Don’t rely on yourself alone, but seek heavenly support.
• Forget the past, focus on the future.
• Celebrate your successes.
• Join with others who share your goal, and avoid those who sabotage your efforts.
• Take up your cross daily.

Every day is a new day, a new opportunity to renew your commitment to your goal. Forget past failures and consider only how to maintain your progress today. Think positively. Don’t give up. Seek the company of like-minded people. Most importantly, embrace the you you aspire to be, and pursue that higher self. You’re worth it!

And if you haven’t made any resolutions, it’s not too late. Today’s a new day.

What is your New Day resolution?

LORD, Bless our efforts to be the people you created us to be. Give us the strength and courage to commit ourselves to our goals, and let us be sure that our goals are YOUR goals. Thy will be done. Amen. 

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