We are now at a point where its no longer the new year nor are we at the midpoint of the year. There’s probably a name for this period but we will not be focusing on that.
I want us to focus on your feelings right now.
My first question to you is how do you feel when you are yet to start or have failed to achieve your new year’s resolutions?
Do you feel dejected, like you’re a failure or are you optimistic and keep trudging along?
The way you answer these questions will say a lot about the sort of person you are. Optimists will always believe there will be opportunities to do more, even if we were in November, while pessimists will believe the worst.
What about realists?
Considering your to-do list and the months that have gone by, can you confirm that you started on the things that matter and you are able to finish these things before the end of the year?
I am certainly far from where I thought I would be at this point but I have also done some things I hadn’t anticipated when the year started. These have turned out to be great opportunities for growth and development.
Basically, while they hadn’t been part of my list or plans for the year, they have created a whole new adventure for me.
Can you say the same?
When you look back on the last few months, what do you see? Fear, failures, favour or accomplishments?
Learning to manage our time and emotions.
“It is better to be patient than powerful. It is better to win control over yourself than over whole cities.
Proverbs 16:32(GNT)
How are you managing your time and emotions? I’m sure you had plans to do many things but have barely started on any.
Rather than tear yourself down, why not consider and make the most of what you have.
Maybe you had plans to write and publish a book but so far, you’ve written very little. But then again, you have published articles and have had speaking engagements in your areas of interest. While these may not be the same as being an author, they are certainly things to be grateful for.
This may lead to some fear and excitement.
Fear that you may never get to do those things on your new year’s list or may get to them too late. And some excitement that though you don’t know what the future holds you hope things will turn out better than expected.
But our expectations don’t grow in a vacuum, it needs to be sustained by our commitment. Yes, it all comes down to our commitment to stay the course. To persevere even when things are not going according to plan.
You need to be patient and diligent, knowing that your hard work will lead to the rewards and results you expect.
How to achieve your resolutions after the new year
One of the key things about having a great year lies in knowing you are not and shouldn’t be on this journey alone. We have a father who says we should come to him when the going gets tough and our burdens get heavy. See Matthew 11:28.
He tells us that it is by his strength that we can do all things. This means rather than worrying, we should be spending that time talking to God.
“I know what it is to be in need and what it is to have more than enough. I have learned this secret so that anywhere at any time, I am content whether I am full or hungry, whether I have too much or too little. I have the strength to face all conditions by the power that Christ gives me.”
Philippians 4:12-13
We seem to forget that God knows all things. He knows what we are going through. He knows our secrets, our hurts and our areas of weakness.
It’s funny that as Christian women, we talk about trust and having a support network yet we are not so eager to go to God.
He offers the ultimate relationship, gives the best support and loves us unconditionally but is often our plan B.
I have realized that many times we do this because we believe we can do things in our strength, we are scared or we don’t want to disturb God.
I have certainly used the last reason a few times. Why disturb God and not do it myself?
God understands our desires to accomplish things, to be a success and to live the life of our dreams. He is a good father and reminds us of his willingness to give good gifts.
“Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a tone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!”
Matthew 7: 9-11
This scripture is a wonderful reminder that we have a good God who wants the best for us.
So, are you currently caught in a static place where you’re not really sure you’ve made any progress on your goals? Stop for a second and breathe. It’s not over yet and you can still have a fantastic year.
The power of prayer in achieving your resolutions after the new year
The first step to conquering your fear or uncertainty is Prayer. This is the master key to a fulfilling Christian life. It’s not about fancy words and precision. It’s bringing your requests to God and subjecting them to his will.
My dear sister, are you ready to let go? Let God do his will and let him be glorified.
Pray for wisdom and clarity, pray for strength and obedience. These are important components to help you achieve your resolutions after the new year.
All the best!
Thank you for your wisdom! Love what you are doing here on your site! 🙂
This is a timely post. I just looked back over my list of goals for this New Year and I was a little disturbed about how little progress I’ve made on some of them. I have made progress, but I’m just not as far ahead as I would like. However, I’ve also had some good things happen in my life that have taken time away from my goals, which is probably worth the tradeoff. This is a great reminder that I shouldn’t beat myself up about what I haven’t done, but to focus on what I can still do. Thanks!