I stopped making New Year’s resolutions a number of years ago. The resolve was there but the power of the flesh kept attacking my best efforts and I would fail. I don’t think I’m alone when it comes to failing to keep New Year’s resolutions. Check out the number of people who go on diets, join gyms, begin weight loss programs, etc. The numbers in January are huge but those numbers diminish from a gusher to a trickle by March.
I have taken to writing out goals on January 1 for the coming year. I group specific goals under 7 headings, all beginning with the letter “F” (hey, c’mon, I was a preacher for 30 years. What’d you expect?):
- Faith
- Family
- Finances
- Function
- Fitness
- Friends
- Fun
In 2017 I set 43 goals under those seven headings. By January 1, 2018 I will have accomplished 24 of the 43 goals. It’s not perfect but I think that’s pretty good. If, however, I accomplished only one of those 43 goals, it would be a successful year and I would be a success! Yes, I am not a perfectionist. I think I’m a realist.
How about you? What does 2018 hold for you? Why not try setting goals to accomplish in 2018. It will cause you to be specific in what you want to accomplish and help you stay focused in your efforts. Rather than a shotgun blast that is very broad and general, goals are like bullets. They are specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-bound (S.M.A.R.T.). Before you set them, be sure to pray and remember that “The mind of man plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps.” (Proverbs 16:9). God is still sovereign over your life and mine.
May 2018 be the best year of your life,
Irv