"Proverbial" Thoughts on the New Year

by Brandon Jubar

"The way of the lazy is strewn with thorns,
the path of the industrious is a broad highway."
~ Proverbs 15:19

So you've survived yet another year. And what a year it's been.

Our sputtering economy seems to finally have stalled. It's rapid decline fueled by greedy executives who were supposed to be watching our money and earning interest for us.

The President who has been leading our country for the last 8 years prepared to leave the Oval Office, while his party went down in defeat. The American people decided that the new Administration should be lead by a Democrat -- one who promises to bring much needed change. (Of course, the last 8 years have brought tremendous change. Unfortunately, most of the changes have been bad.)

Last year was brutal for many people, but if you're reading these words, then it's a good sign that you survived it all. The ups and downs -- the silly and the serious. You've made it through to another year. And just as in years past, it's about time to review your New Year's resolutions and see how you're doing 4 weeks into the new year!

"A man's heart plans out his way,
but it is Yahweh who makes his steps secure."
~ Proverbs 16:9

For many of us, the first week or two of each year ends-up being a time to organize our lives. It gives us an excuse to get a handle on the numerous projects and ideas we've been messing around with. For me, this is the time when I update my goals and create action plans for the coming months.

You notice I said "update my goals" and not "make New Year's resolutions". There's a very big difference, ya' know!

No "Resolve" In "Resolution"

I'm not really an etymologist, but the word "resolution" comes from the same root as the word "resolve". So, when we make a New Year's Resolution, we are "resolving" to do (or not do) something. We become resolute in the endeavor. We are determined to accomplish that to which we've set our minds.

Yeah. Right. Let's face it. Most of our New Year's Resolutions are about as lame as our Lenten Resolutions -- with even less intent to actually accomplish them. And most "resolutions" are simply reruns of ones we've never stuck with before. "Only this year, I'm really going to do it!" Yup. Sure.

Without deliberation plans come to nothing,
where counselors are many plans succeed.
~ Proverbs 15:22

"Resolution" NOT "Re-Solution"

I'm a very strong proponent of the philosophy that trying harder to solve a problem with the same solution that has already failed is an effort in futility. A big waste of time. So if you really want to have a New Year's Resolution, don't just recycle something that hasn't worked before. If it didn't work then, why would it work now?

Instead, try this approach:

Step 1: Set a REALISTIC GOAL that you truly want to accomplish, and WRITE IT DOWN.

Step 2: Under that goal, list all of the BENEFITS that you will gain by accomplishing it.

Step 3: Now list all of the SACRIFICES that you will have to make in order to accomplish the goal. (It's good to see the big picture right from the get go.)

Step 4: Create a PLAN containing SPECIFIC ACTIONS you need to take in order to accomplish the goal. (Note: nebulous things like "stay in better contact with friends" are not good enough. Be specific. "I will get up every Monday at 6am and send/answer email to/from friends until 7am.")

Step 5: PERFORM the actions, TRACK your progress and CELEBRATE your successes!

Step 6: PRAY every day. If your goals are worthy and you truly work at them, the Lord will guide you through the really tough stuff. But it certainly helps to ask His help!

"Commend what you do to Yahweh,
and your plans will find achievement."
~ Proverbs 16:3

This process may seem like common sense... but have you really followed a plan like this before? If you have, I'll bet that you accomplished more than you would have if you hadn't been disciplined and organized.

I'm sure you've got some great ideas you'd like implement this year. Stop thinking about them and start doing them! And if your goals are truly worth pursuing, then I am sure that they are worth offering up to God. Set your goals, be aware of the benefits and sacrifices, plan specific actions, do those actions, celebrate your successes, and most of all, pray every day.

Before you know it, this year will be over and you'll be saying to yourself, "So I've survived yet another year." And if you created a plan, added a little hard work and sprinkled liberally with prayer, you'll also be able to say: "And what a year it's been!"

"Success comes to the [person] who does today what you were thinking of doing tomorrow."
~ Unknown

Life Applications:

What are the goals you have set for yourself this year?
Have you taken the time to write them down?
Do you ask God to help with creating and accomplishing your goals?

Copyright 2002-2009 by Brandon Jubar
All rights reserved.