Considering my nature is nerdy and goal oriented, I set yearly goals each year along with my immediate family that we keep posted in an area we see daily. It is true that you will reach 100% of the goals you NEVER set, so I set goals in hopes of meeting at least some of those each year. I also strongly believe people can change and should seek to improve each year in some areas.
Yet, I realize we are not all the same. Some people struggle to set goals or feel intimidated by New Year’s resolutions. While some set goals but forget within weeks. Fitness centers are full in January and not quite as full by February.
Therefore, let me recommend this…Pick a theme for 2019 such as generosity, truth, health, friendships, family, education, spiritual growth, etc. Once you’ve picked a theme, then focus your daily, weekly, and/or monthly thoughts, plans, and activities on the theme. Let’s say, for example, I choose “generosity” as my theme, then daily I may find ways to give a little to someone such as an extra tip to a waiter. Monthly, I may choose to donate more than normal to an organization or charity I support. If family or friendship is my theme, I may choose to be intentional about communication weekly with family or friends. I may choose to do something special with or for those individuals or I may choose to pray for them more. The theme can truly infiltrate many aspects of your life. It can impact how you talk, give, act, pray, etc. At the end of the year, you may even find you’ve completed many more goals that what you would have not having a theme.
Finally, as a Christian, I believe my help for change comes through the power of the Holy Spirit and through reading God’s word. My personal relationship with God helps me to set the right theme for my life which mostly focuses on how I treat others rather than shallow goals the world values such as physical appearance.
Lastly, I do NOT recommend learning to riding a hoverboard as an activity if your theme is physical activity… I tried yesterday and failed. I may have a broken wrist and definitely bruised my pride.
Happy New Year!
Natalie
