New years are about optimism. “This year will be better. This year will be different. This year will be successful. This will be my best year! Something will change. I will change.”
Isn’t that the way almost every year begins? And yet, it most often turns out just like last year. New Year’s optimism gives way to New Year’s disappointment we are frustrated but determined to try again next year.
Here are the most popular New Year’s resolutions: Lose weight. Volunteer to help others. Quit smoking. Get a better education. Get a better job. Save money. Get fit. Eat healthy food. Manage stress. Manage debt. Take a trip. Reduce, reuse, and recycle. Drink less alcohol. We could add a few spiritual ones, like reading my Bible every day. Go to church more often. Join a ministry. Pray more. Start tithing.
Folks, it likely won’t happen… because a “New Year’s resolution” will be required to make the change. That is difficult for most of us.
So what should you do in 2024?
First of all, goals based on guilt are always weak. Goals built on desperation lack the logical plans necessary for change. Goals based upon pure optimism usually don’t have enough commitment for us to follow through on.
Secondly, it is virtually impossible to do anything that is inconsistent with your character consistently. You are the problem. You cannot separate where you are in life from who you are in life.
This is a sobering thought. Something has to change about me to change what I will be and do next year.
So what should you do in 2024?
If you really want a forward-moving year, give some thought to the following:
What was wrong with 2023 that needs to change in 2024? What do I really want to change? Most of us take the “no responsibility” position about unpleasant or difficult circumstances. “There’s nothing I can do.” But is there something… Start with what you can change. What do I want to do or accomplish next year? Then, this next question may be the most important: Why do I want this to change?
First of all, goals based on guilt are always weak. Goals built on desperation lack the logical plans necessary for change.
I, too, have made the lists. Truthfully, the longer the list, the more certain you’ll fail. Just pick something you are passionate about – just one thing. One goal, one passion, one need, and give that some thought, planning, and prayer. One of the simplest definitions of success I’ve ever heard is, “Find a need and fill it.” – even just one. Modern media has increased our distractions. To some extent, we are restless when not multitasking. However, accomplishment actually decreases when we run in multiple directions. You’ve got to start with one thing.
Define the problem and define the dream. Normally, we set a goal for change because we are dissatisfied with the present. Why are you dissatisfied with today or 2023? Why exactly do you want to change? The problem is….. I need to…… because ….. I want to….Why? What is in my heart that has brought me to this place where I need to change? Then, define what it should look like in 2024.
Do some planning. Make some reasonable steps to get there. Let’s be realistic here. Resolutions, goals, and objectives are all about change. Change is so very difficult because inertia is against us. If change were easy, we’d all be changing for the better every day. I suggest you confide in a strong friend/spouse/co-worker and form a partnership. Get an accountability partner. Share your resolution/goal/dream with them, and ask them to ask you regularly if you are doing as you said you would.
Write it in your calendar. Set that alarm on your phone. Do it now!
If it’s “get a better education,” make some steps to get there now and place those steps in your calendar. When are you going to seriously look at education options? If it’s “to eat some healthy food.” Get up, go to your kitchen right now, and throw all the junk out. If it’s “read my Bible through,” schedule it starting today, and stay with the same time every day. Do something about one thing. The calendar business may be the big secret. A small daily change can produce big results over the long term. Nothing will change if it doesn’t somehow get into the daily routine. You’ll be overwhelmed by the habits of the past.
“Yes, but I need to change so many things.” Don’t we all! Just do one thing at a time. The Apostle Paul said, “This one thing I do.” David said, “One thing have I desired of the Lord…” They got it. The one thing!
Refrain from running your life emotionally and think through change like it’s important. It’s not about how you feel. Your feelings will come and go. Rationally, do you want to do this? Needing to do this does not mean as much as wanting to do this. There is only one way in the world to get anyone to consistently do anything – they have to want to do it.
So what should you do in 2024?
Just one thing well, one thing passionately, one thing consistently, one thing differently for one year, and I promise you will have a better year. One success is much better than a hundred noble objectives that you have neither the ability, time, or discipline to accomplish. Start with the ONE THING!
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