So, the New Year has started….does it feel much different yet? Have you reloved to make any changes to your life this year? Despite the fact that over 90 percent of these resolutions are not met, is it even worth trying? I would say Yes. Anytime we examine our lives and determine that we need to make changes in some places, it is a good thing. Awareness is half the battle, and once we see that we need to make some quality improvements, the next challenge is to figure out how to do that. Change is not a natural or easy thing for most of us to do, especially as we get older and more entrenched in our routines. Back when I was young, I heard that you need to practice a new habit at least 17 times before it becomes natural for you to do. If it truly is a priority, we need to be highly motivated to do something about it. If the changes we want to make will improve our own lives, or the lives of those around us, it should be something we should strive to do. What changes are you most motivated to make?
So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. 2 Corinthians 4:16
I often write goals as part of my job. The challenge with doing this well is to make it something meaningful, measurable, and attainable. For example, if I wanted to ‘be healthier’, I would want to list some of the things I need to do to get there. I would like to exercise at least 3 times a week and I want to cut out after dinner snacking. Those are some things I can easily measure and keep track of, even in my head. If I want to read through the bible this year, I need to have a plan of how to do that, and track my progress as I go. If we just have 1-3 things or goals we are trying to accomplish, it is likely more attainable and less stressful than having a long list of things we are trying to accomplish. It also helps to have some accountability, whether that is a spouse or friend you update regularly, or you can put it on your prayer list and give a daily account to Him. I hope you have a good roadmap of getting where you need to go.
Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.1 Corinthians 9:25-27
If we take a close look at our lives, we all can surely make a list of things we want to improve. We likely don’t want to add more things to our daily ‘to do’ lists, but there are also things we do daily that we should do less as well. If we could just exchange those things and replace the old habits with new ones, that would be so simple, but it does take work. Let us all strive daily to make continuous quality improvements in the little things so that the big things in life reflect our values as well. May God bless you as you strive and succeed in those attempts!
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2
Yours in Christ,
Clark
