Do you remember your New Year’s resolution from last year? If so, have you declared victory? Can you say, “I did it, I succeeded”? My sense is that about one percent of us can say that we succeeded in keeping last year’s resolution. With that percentage of success, is the New Year’s resolution a worthwhile effort?
I say yes. We human beings have an incessant desire and need to change, to be better, to improve ourselves. A resolution is a good way to get started. I have some suggestions for how you can succeed.
First, make just one resolution. We can do only one thing at a time, so choose one area and make it the single focus of your resolve to change and grow.
Second, be patient with yourself. Give yourself plenty of time, a whole year if necessary.
Third, be forgiving of yourself if you experience a lapse or setback. Growth never goes in a straight, even line. Stay with your resolution.
Fourth, visualize victory. See yourself as having succeeded. Hold on to that picture, no matter what.
Fifth, pray for your resolution. Let God be your partner. It may be that God has been eager to collaborate with you for a long time.
Sixth, after your have succeeded, thank God and have a little celebration for a mission accomplished.
God bless you in the New Year.
…But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus -- Philippians 3:13-14 |