I was one of those people who made New Year’s Resolutions. But as I’ve grown older and closer to God, I started something new, which I’ll share with you shortly.
Did you know that 45% of Americans usually make New Year’s Resolutions? Sadly only 8% are successful at keeping them, according to Statistic Brain Research Institute. Why is it that so few are successful?
Psychology professor Peter Herman and his colleagues have identified that many make resolutions that are significantly unrealistic and out of alignment with their internal view of themselves. When you make positive affirmations about yourself that you don’t really believe, the positive affirmations not only don’t work, they can be damaging to your self-worth
According to brain scientists, making resolutions involves changing behaviors—and in order to change a behavior, you have to change your thinking (or “rewire” your brain).
Interestingly, this lines up with what Christians have been reading in the Bible for centuries.
“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” Romans 12:2
“ Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes.” Ephesians 4:22
So before setting a resolution for 2016, consider doing these three things first:
1. Change the way you think
Making a resolution means that you want to change something, that you’re not satisfied with something. This can be a negative and discouraging pattern of thought.
The only way to make lasting change starts in how we think. We must exchange a negative for a positive (Ephesians 4:22-23). Psychologists say this is how to create new neural pathways in your brain to change habits.
2. Make A Blessing And Personal Accomplishment List
I like to start each new year on a positive note. A great way to do this is by making a list of blessings and personal accomplishments.
I like to start each new year on a positive note. A great way to do this is by making a list of blessings and personal accomplishments.
— Beckie Lindsey (@BeckieLindsey_) December 31, 2015
Here’s an example of a few things that I wrote in my journal:
I’m thankful for:
My health
My family
My son got married
God’s daily grace and mercy
Personal accomplishments:
I went to two writers conferences
I was published on websites, in my local newspaper, and magazines this year
I lost ten pounds and didn’t gain it back
I have over 2,000 readers on my blog (That’s YOU! Thanks)
What will your list look like?
3. Pray
Once you’ve made your list of blessings and things you’ve accomplished throughout the year, pray for guidance on any new goals. Doesn’t it make sense that we’d ask God before making a major life change like a resolution?
It pleased the Lord when Solomon asked for wisdom (1 Kings 3:7-14), and it pleases Him when we ask as well.
“If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.” James 1:5
Finally, it’s important to remember we are not alone. We have God’s help to accomplish the goals that He has given us. In fact, God has given us all we need to live a godly life (2 Peter 1:3). His Spirit is at work within us, giving us new desires to do what pleases Him (Philippians 2:13), which make us more and more like His Son.
And isn’t that the main goal—to be more like JESUS?
WISHING YOU MANY BLESSINGS IN 2016
Do you make resolutions? If so, what have they been and have you accomplished them? Please share your thoughts below in the comments.
Great post, Beckie! I love these suggestions. Congrats on your accomplishments in 2015!
I love that you remind us to pray before we set our goals. We desperately need God’s direction each step of the way.
May the Lord continue to bless you!
Elihu, Thanks for your support as a fellow writer and Christ follower in my first year of blogging. I learned a lot from you! Blessing on you and yours as well!
Thanks, Beckie. It’s good to remember that our connection to God is what enables us to be more than we can on our own. Our willing spirits and His power are awesome combination.
Great post, Beckie! Thank you so much for sharing, Love! Happy New Year! May GOD bless you and your family now and always, beautiful friend! 🙂
That should be our ultimate goal each and every year – to become more like Jesus. Blessings for 2016, Beckie!
Yes and amen! Blessings on you and yours in 2016 as well.
I used to have resolutions but now I set attainable goals. I also break them up into pieces. You’re very right, it’s much easier on the psyche that way. God bless you Beckie. I was blessed to be a part of your blessings last year!
Thanks, Molly Jo! Honored to know you and call you friend.
Hi Beckie,
I made three resolutions:
I would make money blogging this year, I would be less reactionary, and I can’t remember the third!
I met you on Danny Ray’s site. Congratulations on being his featured blogger. I was his featured blogger too.
Perhaps you’ll check out my site too if you could use a blogging tip or two. That is what I write about.
Janice
Janice, Thanks for taking the time to check out my blog and comment. I especially enjoyed reading about your third resolution—the one you forgot! Ha ha! 🙂
I did check out your blog and started following. It looks full of great info. for newbie bloggers (like me) as well as seasoned ones. As a writer, I’m always looking for ways to improve.
God bless!
Hi Beckie,
Thank you so much for subscribing to my blog! Welcome!
If you comment on MostlyBlogging.com, I can see your Email and invite you to pin to our group board.
Janice
Great post on New Years resolutions! I want the post that i send out in 2016 to have more of a impact in peoples lives for the Kingdom! I also want to write a book at some point. I also cant wait to meet our 6th child that will be born any day now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ricardo, First of all, congratulations that you have a 6th child on the way. I’m praying for a healthy baby and for your wife too! Thanks for taking the time to comment on the blog. Blessings on your writing endeavors. I’m currently writing on a YA faith-based fiction novel for girls and a women’s Bible study. If you want to write a book, just do it! 🙂 It’s a new year and all things are possible with God!
I love these great steps to making resolutions. They sound simple and easy, but I know they take lots of work and concentration. Thanks for sharing on Literacy Musing Mondays. I want to increase readership of my blog too. Do you have tips?
Mary, Glad you enjoyed this post. I have been blogging for about 11 months. My tips for readership are: Twitter, Link ups, Facebook, consistency, and last but not least—prayer.