At the end of 2014, I read an article from Relevant Magazine titled “11 Resolutions Everyone Should Consider Making Next Year.” It inspired me to make a short list of resolutions of my own. Here is what I hoped to accomplish in 2015 [ignore the bad grammar]:
- Less TV. More games.
- Less Facebook. More face-to-face.
- Less food. More exercise.
- Less excuses. More doing.
- Less spending. More savings.
- Less getting. More giving.
- Less weight. More sleep.
- Less sadness. More celebration.
- Less timewasters. More discipline.
- Less worry. More prayer.
As one can imagine, I did well with some (6, 8, and 10) and failed miserably at others (2, 7, and 9). If you are like me, you are also looking ahead to 2016 and making new resolutions. If I may, let me offer a few suggestions.
First, review 2015. A friend of mine posted this on Facebook today and I have found it to be helpful. Here it is in its entirety (Thanks Mike!).
“Found this last year from Dr. Tim Elmore of Growing Leaders, writer of our Habitudes and Career Readiness curriculum at NDE. I take a half a day and get completely alone. Usually, I get away from the house and find a quiet place to reflect. During this time, I think, I pray and I review the past year, making notes of my evaluations along the way. I perform this ritual by asking myself the following questions:
What are my fondest memories of 2015?
What were the “big projects” I completed during the year?
What were the defining moments during the last year?
What did I procrastinate on and fail to get done?
What books and mentors had the greatest impact on me? Why?
Am I closer to my friends and family from my activities this year?
What will be my biggest goals as I move forward into 2016?
Where did I neglect to live up to the standards I set for myself?
What am I committed to do this next year, to fulfill my “Life Sentence”?
Answering these questions allows me to accomplish two objectives. First, it forces me to focus on the important things in my life and not get lost in the trivial. Second, it furnishes me a platform to set goals for the new year.”
Second, look ahead to 2016. Webster’s 1828 dictionary defines resolved as “determined in purpose.” This is helpful. I also looked at the definitions for Resolution: “Fixed purpose or determination of mind; as a resolution to reform our lives; a resolution to undertake an expedition; the effect of fixed purpose; firmness; steadiness or constancy in execution, implying courage.” Wow!
Three aspects of those definitions jumped out at me: 1) a resolution to reform our lives; 2) a resolution to undertake an expedition; and 3) steadiness or constancy in execution, implying courage.” My blog posts over the next few days will focus on number one. The second one means you must go on a grand adventure in 2016. I’ll leave those details up to you, but include your family! The third one is what I want to consider today.
“Steadiness or constancy in execution, implying courage.”
If I could make one resolution for next year, it would revolve around the word DISCIPLINE. This is one area of my life that I have never had any victories in. Sure, I’ve had momentary wins, but the battle is always lost. Whether it is practicing spiritual disciplines, proper diet and exercise, or leading my family well, I have never shown consistency in execution. My prayer for 2016 is for the Lord to give me the courage to show consistency and rely upon the Holy Spirit to lead me and God’s grace to sustain me. May God do the same with you.
Deuteronomy 31:6 (NIV): “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
2 Timothy 1:7 (NIV): “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.”
1 Corinthians 16:13-14 (ESV): “Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. 14 Let all that you do be done in love.”
Share some of your resolutions in the comments please. Thanks and be safe tonight!
Scott Maxon 