We are at the end of the month of January, one full month into the year 2016. That means we are a month removed from the New Years Resolutions many of us made. I feel one month into the New Year is a great time to see how these resolutions are going. Things from losing weight, to pursuing a degree, to kicking bad habits were promised in one form or another at the beginning of the year.
If you have been able to stick with them this long I applaud you. The first month could be tough because it starts out with all the excitement of starting a new adventure. As the weeks move on the excitement wears off and all you may feel is left is the work you need to put in to reach that goal. When I look at my resolution to start this blog I can definitely say it was an extremely exciting time. It is work to write this blog but I can honestly tell you it is something I look forward to each and every day. I find complete enjoyment in doing this.
So how was I able to make sure this didn’t become something that I only continued to meet a New Years Resolution, something I did but never truly enjoyed? I changed my mindset where I don’t look at this as a New Years Resolution but a Lifestyle Change. It is a part of who I am now and is in my daily routine. It is not a resolution I can drop at any time and say, “I’ll try it again next year.”
That is my challenge to each of you reading this. If you are struggling with the New Years Resolution you set, change it into a permanent Lifestyle Change. That subtle change makes it something you will continue to pursue not because it’s a resolution you must keep but because it’s a part of who you are. As you are pursuing this permanent change in your life you will face trials and challenges but that’s okay and expected. You have to keep pressing forward! As James 1:12 (NLT) says, “God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.”
Keep running the race and pursuing those Lifestyle Changes which God has placed upon your hearts and minds. Remember the words of 2 Timothy 4:7 (NLT), “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful.” You Can Do This!
Truth in Love! ~ Chuck