Ah, yes, New Year’s Resolutions, those things half of us make and the other half mock. Much has been said about how badly people follow through on their resolutions. After all, the statistical success rate is something like -33%, which is to say that people do roughly 1/3rd worse on the things they resolve to do better on.
Solution? Instead of making up a list of New Year’s Resolutions, I made up a list of Old Year’s Resolutions, things I actually did last year. And guess what? I accomplished every one of them! Woo-hoo!
OK, so not really. But I did make up a list of things I’m grateful for regarding the year just passed. Only I can’t share it with you because it’s full of personal stuff.
Which brings me to the point I didn’t know I was trying to make: New Year’s Resolutions tend to revolve around external things (lose weight, land that dream job). But the things that always turn out to matter most are the internal ones. For example, the relationship breakthrough I had with my daughter over the holidays.
Wonderful, yes, but those are the things we can’t see coming, can’t plan for. God knew, of course, and planned for them, but I didn’t. The only thing I can do is strive to keep my heart open and ready to respond to what he sends my way. Therefore…
Although there’s nothing wrong with making external plans respecting diet, career, etc., the most important “plan” I can make is to “seek first his kingdom (his active will and guidance) and his righteousness (his care and grace toward others).” And, since it turns out God is better than anyone else at fulfilling his resolutions, if I seek these first, all of the other stuff “will be added” into the bargain (Matthew 6:33). He guarantees it. Hey, whaddya know…
Resolution accomplished!
Seek ye first…. In the end it’s really about what God wants anyway. Or at least to me it is
Yep.
Isn’t He Wonderful? Wonderful, oh isn’t He.
‘Turn your eyes upon Jesus…’ Nice post, Mitch.
Thanks, Sandy.
Sage advice, Mitch. Happy New Year my friend. :O)
You too, Paul!
Many thanks. :O)
Wonderful post. Thanks. Instead of resolutions I prefer building up habits— one habit at a time. Once established they somehow endure the test of time.
Good policy, Tebatjo!
“He guarantees it.”
a warranty that is never null and void.
This article makes the light shine bright.
Have a blessed, and guaranteed, New Year, Sarah.
“Seek ye first the kingdom of God’ will ever be an excellent resolution. Happy New year.
You too, Imelda!
Amen brother!
I have read some very good posts about “alternative” new Year’s resolutions, but I have to say yours is the best so far. Not necessarily the easiest, but certainly the simplest and the most effective. Being open to what God has in store, keeping an open heart and an open mind, is the best possible way to plan for the upcoming year!
Yeah, God’s pretty big on “simple” challenges like that, isn’t he? ;>)
Yes, he is! Never easy, but so worth it!
Loved your view on resolutions! I wrote an article about how to put your ideas into action. I think you would like it 🙂 take a look: https://motivatedmusiciandotblog.wordpress.com/2019/01/14/on-ideas/
Hi Elena, good to meet you, and thank you. Yes, I’ll definitely take a look.
A success list… I like that idea. Lives changed, people loved, ministries started, shoulders you let cry on… success!
Exactly!