5 Steps to Make Your Resolutions a Reality

Tis the season for Resolutions….

Here we are over almost two weeks into the New Year and I am sure there are many who have already thrown off the goals they have made for themselves to change the direction of their lives. Whether it be weight loss, quitting an undesirable habit, or a total life change most people have something they want to change in their life.

Why is it that resolutions are so difficult? Why is it that we cannot stick to our resolutions? How can we change this? How do we make our resolutions a reality?

Here are 5 steps to follow:

Purpose

Why are you making these resolutions? If your why is not important enough, you are certainly not going to stick with. Why is it important to you? Sometimes, I think we do not dig deep into our reasoning for the things we want to accomplish. It just sounds like a “good idea” or “I know it’s what’s best for me”, but we don’t have a grip on the true purpose for the changes we want to make. You will quickly lose ambition in the midst of the clouds of vagueness.
Perspective

Sometimes, we make resolutions that that are completely unrealistic. We need to get proper perspective. Know yourself and your circumstances. Make your resolutions fit you. I am not saying to not strive to make yourself better by being a little uncomfortable. I am saying be realistic in the number of resolutions and the difficulty of your resolutions. Don’t try to change your entire life at once. Set resolutions that are doable.
Prioritize

What is the most important to you? What are you passionate about? Start it first.
Plan

Have a plan. Don’t just wing it. Break down your resolutions into simple, daily actions. Plan with success in mind.”What About Bob?” comes to my mind (as I just watched this old Bill Murray movie with my eldest). For those that are familiar with that movie…Baby Steps….Start with one thing you know you will do. Continue to add simple daily disciplines once you master the previous step. Plan for when you fail. Many times we are so afraid of failure, when the reality is, we can never do everything perfectly. What’s the plan for getting back on track? Don’t let failure derail your resolutions. Also, make sure to add fun into the plan!
PRAY!!

Pray for God to give you courage and strength and to order your steps to bring glory to Himself.