I think we have all heard or said the above words in our lifetime.
The aspirational juices of being a better version of yourself always seem to flow in January of any calendar year.
Something about this time of year just fills us with energy, excitement, and exhilaration!
But then something begins to happen. Slowly but surely “it” begins to take effect in all of our lives. Do you know what I’m referring to?
Life.
Life has a way of wearing on us like flowing water upon rocks.
No matter what we may put our minds to, life will always be there and happen. Ups and downs. Twists and turns. Rapids, and fast-moving currents.
Example: We set our minds to a new fitness routine, and on Monday we get sick and can’t go to the gym.
This is just one example of life happening to us. Life isn’t inherently good or bad, but it passes upon all of us.
So what should one do instead of a New Year’s Resolution?
One should first seek to improve their character, and then improve their habits.
Too many people try to improve their habits without first improving their character.
In fact the Bible even says,
Matthew 9:17 KJV
[17] Neither do men put new wine into old bottles: else the bottles break, and the wine runneth out, and the bottles perish: but they put new wine into new bottles, and both are preserved.
For the sake of this illustration, the new wine can be thought of as your new habit.
The “bottle” of course is you (i.e. your character).
Let’s say for example that an individual wants to eliminate the bad habit of always running late in the new year.
I submit to you that the individual should actually desire the trait of faithfulness, rather than the habit of showing up on time.
This is because when the individual is faithful to their word (the time agreed upon by both parties) they will subsequently be on time (punctual) more often.
The reasons that this method works is because our character is more “Life-Proof” than a mere 30 day habit.
Someone who has the character of a faithful person will inherently have the habits that follow such a person such as being punctual and on time.
Rainy days, being sick, a lack of money, and hard times (aka life) won’t affect someone who has strong character the same way it would someone who is following the latest internet trend.
So hopefully this blog post has provided some food for thought.
I have plenty of goals for this year, and I want to go about achieving them in the most effective way possible.
With all that said, what are your goals for the new year? Let’s talk about them in the comments below!
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Love the post! It is so on point. I never make New Year’s resolutions because life truly happens and who knows what each day will bring. It is best to live in the moment because no day is promised to us. The past is the past, the future is not promised, and the present is a gift and should be treated as such!
Wow, incredible post Jeffrey! Such excellent points for New Year Resolutions. I definitely think too that people want to go all out and go BIG but when they get sick on Monday like you said, they just give up for the whole week. Take it day by day. One of my goals for this year is to be more present minded and live in every moment! Not worry about tomorrow, but Focus on today. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us! I can’t wait to see the results for our 2022 New Year!
Thank you for leaving such a well thought out comment. I agree with your points as well on bring present minded and living life in depth!
Very true, and thank you for such a thoughtful response to the latest blog post. I enjoyed what you said about the past present and future especially!