New Year's Resolutions

New Year's....what?
The word Resolution almost sounds archaic now.
People don't really actually make those anymore do they?
And those who do...only last a few months, if that, before they've broken most, if not all, their Resolutions.

But, have you ever met a person who kept their New Year's Resolution?
It's refreshing. Precisely because it just doesn't happen very often.
And I find that sad.

We've become so apathetic that the very chance at change and improvement is often met with mockery or just downright disapproval...disguised as something dirty when in fact its the very thing that could change your life for better.

What is the problem with Resolutions?
Why are they hard to make...and keep?
Do we make too many? Too hard? Too little faith? Too little planning on how to actually make it happen?

If someone wanted to go to Disneyland, most people figure out how much it would all cost: airfare, food, tickets, incidentals, etc. And then they would figure out how much money they would need to set aside each month to be able to enjoy their anticipated trip to Disneyland.
Rarely does someone wake up with the idea of going to Disneyland and hop in the car with their whole family and head to the Happiest Place on Earth at the drop of a hat.

So it is with all Resolutions, or goals. You have the idea in mind...then you break it down. Figure out what the cost is, then figure out how to pay the cost...bit by bit. Sometimes the sacrifice it takes to make the goal is made easier when we keep our goal in mind. If we have to avoid pampering oneself or season tickets to the local professional team or skip the upgrade on your phone...then those 'sacrifices' are not so hard when you remember the thing for which you are gunning.

Some Resolutions are temporal, others are spiritual. Some are emotional and others are physical. Whatever they are, they should be made!!!
And then they should be mapped out as if you were actually serious about attaining said Goal/Resolution.
What's the cost? How do you obtain it? What is needed?
And then write all that down. Do you need pictures to remind you? Print them off. Place them where you'll see them.
Chances for success are also elevated when you are accountable for your goals. Tell someone what you are trying to do. Then, if you promise not to get offended when they ask, allow them to check up on you or remind you when you slack off or falter or begin to choose your old ways.

Begin slowly....but do begin!
This year is going to be different for me.
I have just one goal in four different categories. Hopefully by the coming December, I'll be a patiently employed athlete who can recite the words of Isaiah ;)
It's worth trying rather than settling for a rash, unwaged and flabby ignorant fool.



Temporal:
Emotional:
Physical:
Spiritual: