A friend asked me the other day, "Did you make any New Years Resolutions?" To which I replied, "No." Did you know that most New Years Resolutions are broken in the first week and forgotten by the end of the first month. For me, setting goals and making a plan to achieve those goals is more effective than making New Years Resolutions.
Each year I make time at the end of the year or the beginning of the New Year depending on my schedule, to reflect over the past year. I usually journal my thoughts as I reflect. I think about what I accomplished, what I learned, how I grew as a person in my faith, knowledge and personally. What am I most thankful for? I also think about things that I "worried" about that never came to pass? I look for how God worked in my life? What were my high points and low points? What brought me joy and happiness? What do I regret?
As I look to the New Year, I think about what I want to accomplish in my career and personal life. What do I want more of in my life? What do I want less of in my life and how might I achieve more or less? How can I grow deeper in my relationship with God? Am I using my gifts and talents to best serve God? How can I do better? How can I be a blessing to others? How can I be a better parent? friend? neighbor etc.? How can I be more effective in my career? What do I need to learn or do? Am I using my time well? Is my life out of balance somewhere? Am I taking care of myself physically? emotionally? spiritually?
As I journal my thoughts, I seek God and His will for my life. Take some time to hear from Him and then begin to create goals and a road map or plan for reaching those goals. How about you? Do you set New Years Resolutions or think about the New Year and what you might like to accomplish? Do you just let life happen and take it as it comes? Do you think about what you want your life to look like and plan the steps to make it happen? I would love to hear your thoughts and any ideas or suggestions you might have to offer others as we begin a New Year. May God Bless you in 2009.
Copyright 2009 Shelley Grieser All Rights Reserved
