When New Year's Resolution Run Amuck

Anyone make a New Year's Resolution?


Anyone already broken a New Year's Resolution?


Any idea which two resolutions people are most likely to make on January 1st?


Lose weight and drink less.


For weeks we gorge ourselves and so when the holidays are over, suddenly moderation is the number word in our lives.


Why do we fail to keep these resolutions? Here are a few reasons.


1. Most resolutions lack real thought and contemplation. They are reactionary rather than being proactive. When making a resolution take time to take an inventory. What are my true priorities? Ask question like this: "What kind of person am I?" or "What kind of person do I want to become?" or even, "What can I do to make this world a better place?" These question produce good resolutions.


2. Most resolutions are unreasonable or unattainable. For example; "I need to lose fifty pounds." The goal is so daunting and intimidating, that people are overwhelmed and fail quickly.


 I knew someone who wanted to be debt free in a year. Great goal! The problem? His debt was greater than his income. He needed to set intermediate goals that took him to the greater goal.


A better goal might be: "I want to lose twelve pounds by April 1st." That is one pound a week. That is doable. Do that four times in a calendar year and you will have lost your fifty pounds by 2015.


3. Most resolutions lack balance. Most are physically and employment related. I just read friend's face book post. She wants to read 16 books this year that will be made into movies. That goal is creative and growth oriented. It also guarantees that her husband will need to take her to the movies.


If you haven't made a resolution yet, think about making four goals. One goal should be physical, one is mental, one is spiritual, and one is fun. That kind of balance helps develop the whole person.


My resolutions?


Physical: Eat better. That begins by eating at home more. I am trying to eat more fresh fruit when the sweet tooth kicks in.


Spiritual: Daily devotions. Not just bible study, but reading for my own spiritual growth. I am reading a great book entitled: Holy Adventure: 41 Days of Audacious Living...just for me.


Mental: I am learning new tasks. I have jumped head first into the social media world. I am doing podcasts, face book, blogs, and soon hope to do twitter. Learning to do to these well and intentionally is a new skill for me. I am having to learn and ask for help. It is nice to be stretched.


Fun: I need to work on that one. Without hard play, hard work is just a bore. I will let you know when I make that decision.