It’s January 2012 and if you are like me you are now focusing on what you can do better in 2012. There is something about the whole New Year New You concept that gives me hope, (well technically, I always have Hope – my 8 year old daughter LJL).
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This is how last year’s resolutions turn into next year’s and the discouraging cycle continues. So we are left wondering, should we even bother? The short answer is YES but only if we follow these three (3) easy tips:
1. Keep setting and reviewing your goals all year. Even after this first month of the year, don’t stop! Resolve to continue setting or updating goals on a monthly, weekly or daily basis. You can set goals in any area of your life including family, spiritual, charitable and the regulars like health, finances and career. Just don’t skip the exercise (no pun intended) of setting goals!
"… the tragedy in life doesn't lie in not reaching your goal. The tragedy lies in having no goal to reach. It isn't a calamity to die with dreams unfulfilled, but it is a calamity not to dream... It is not a disgrace not to reach the stars, but it is a disgrace to have no stars to reach for. Not failure, but low aim is sin." - Dr. Benjamin E. Mays
2. Check your ‘blindside’ by praying and asking God what your goal should be. You know that the blindside is known as the area outside the quarterback’s vision. Well, many times that’s where the thing we often need to work on is sitting. So ask the One who sees everything to cue you in.
Search me [thoroughly], O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there is any wicked or hurtful way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. - Psalm 139:23-24 (AMP)
When you do this, be sure to listen for the answer. It may come through the Bible, a person or a sign but He will answer and you may or may not like the answer. But remember, you asked so you can become a better you.
3. Focus on ONE goal at a time. That means taking the “s” off of Resolutions and making it “A” resolution at a time. Since based on #1 we are now consistent goal setters, we don’t have to overwhelm ourselves with attacking our entire list in a single swoop. Author Tim Elmore once wrote that what you focus and channel your energies on will expand. Research suggests that it takes 30 days to form a new habit. If you set up some reminders over the course of the next 30 days of what you will do daily toward your goal you will be rewarded. Remember, it is the ONE goal you will work on.
Now we are setting ourselves up for success this year and for years to come.
You can print the Lifetime Lifestyle Diary Goal Worksheet for a starting point. Start aiming for the stars. YOU CAN DO IT in 2012!!
