Resolve to be Better

Christmas is over and the New Year is upon us. Wow that went fast!!!

Well, this is the time of year where we like to trick ourselves into making goals that we can’t possibly live up to. Sure, we have great intentions to do great things each January, but the reality is that no matter how noble our goals are they will more than likely fail. Stats show that only 8% of all resolutions actually succeed. Only 8%! So really, why even make these goals and resolutions that won’t actually go anywhere?

Unless of course, you can go simple. I mean, I am all about SMART goals and think they can be very effective. But, lets be honest, not many of us like to sit down on new years plotting out SMART goals.

So here is an idea…simply RESOLVE to be BETTER this year…at everything you do. It’s simple and attainable every time. I can see this play out in a few different scenarios:

• At home:
  • Last year, you took the trash out but left the trash can outside for a day or 2 after the trash company emptied it. This year you do better and you simply bring the trash can inside the day it comes. I bet your roommate or spouse could be really happy about that.
  • Last year, when the toilet paper was out, you just left the empty roll and let someone else replace it. This year you do better and you replace it yourself so someone else doesn’t go to the bathroom with no toilet paper.
  • Last year, you came home and kept on working, while helping around the house was pushed aside to “later”. This year you could limit what work you do at home, and spend more time on family or house situations.
• At work:
  • Last year, you took out old sermons or messages and simply recycled them without any touch ups. This year you do better by using your old messages as a resource and refreshing that message into something current and relevant.
  • Last year, you worked alone…practically all the time. This year, do better and try to partner with your fellow staffers on brainstorming sessions or ministry opportunities.
  • Last year you said you would engage more on social media, but didn’t. This year, pick one social media platform to engage in and see to “like”, “favorite”, “post”, “comment” or “share” each day. Just one engagement a day and see how it boosts your ministry.

It’s great to make resolutions and goals every year. Honestly, it is. But this year don’t overcomplicate things. Resolve to do better this year. By simple resolutions and goals, yet ones that are easily attainable and have the potential to be very, very impactful in the new year!

So, what do you think? How have your resolutions gone in the past? What can you resolve to be better at this year? Share your thoughts below or on social media using #ymsidekick as part of your tweet.