Resolutions or Goals?

 

Happy New Year! After a 3-month hiatus, I’m endeavoring to return to blogging in this new year. In an effort to jumpstart my blogging, I’m snagging a post from a couple years ago, with some updates and modifications.

 

 

So 2019 is here.  Now the debate starts over again about making resolutions versus developing proactive goals. According to the dictionary, a resolution is “the decision to do or not do something.” Based on how often we fail to keep resolutions for very long into the new year, I think the missing element is being proactive, which means “preparing for or initiating change rather than reacting to events.”

We can make decisions to do or not do something all day, but without the related preparation for or initiation of change, we end up only reacting to events that occur instead of following through with our decision. This requires a combination of determination, courage, and discipline.

In addition, I know many people — including me — choose focus words for the year. Mine for 2019 is the phrase: Declutter and Simplify. I’ve spent too many years with my life and my home full of clutter. This aggravates my soul and my spirit, and even adversely affects my physical and mental health. At 60 (approaching 61 this March!), it’s way past time for a change!

 

 

Here’s your New Year’s Day inspiration…

“In the beginning of my ministry, I had a dream that I was driving my car and approaching a flooded bridge.

I stopped, looking first at the water-covered bridge, back where I had been, and to the side of the road, trying to decide if I should park, retreat, or keep moving forward.

Then I woke up.

God used that dream to show me there will always be opposition when pressing toward a goal. There will always be opportunity to park and go no farther, or turn around and give up.

Determination will get you a lot further than talent. So if you feel you lack talent, take heart. All you need to win in life is more determination than anyone else you know.”

–Joyce Meyer in “The Confident Woman Devotional”

 

 

My Reflections

I can so relate to the dream Joyce described, in different areas of life at different times, but most recently it applies to the transition I’ve been adjusting to over the past several months. Ever since getting hired for my first full-time remote job on March 21, 2018, I have had a difficult time managing my time to accomplish all the things I need and want to do in addition to the job — including blogging and sewing.

But beginning in November, at my supervisor’s advice to “take back my life” and only work the 40 hours per week I get paid to work, I have happily been sewing and crafting for Christmas gifts in my spare time after my work hours. I accomplished a decent number of gifts by Christmas, but will have some more to finish this month. Didn’t quite start soon enough! Plan for 2019: Start planning in January for Christmas 2019!

 

 

So what are YOUR thoughts?

 

Do you agree there’s a difference between resolutions and proactive goals?

 

Do you have focus words or phrases for 2019?

 

Have you created an action plan to achieve goals in this new year?