New Year, New Thing: How to Win at Resolutions

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Happy New Year!

Let’s quit doing the same old things that lead to the same old failures. Try some new things in the new year to win at resolutions.
I love this time of year. The calendar stretches out in front of me like a giant blank slate of possibilities. Some of those possibilities bubble to the top of my priorities and become resolutions.

Yes, I said the R word. Love ‘em or hate ‘em, resolutions help us focus on what is ahead.

But here’s the thing about resolutions. They are scary. Once you write them down on paper, they grow big hairy legs and fangs. At times, you feel like they are chasing you. You know you should be doing SOMETHING about those lofty ideas you wrote down in front of a cozy fire on New Year’s Eve, but you just can’t seem to make any progress. Again.

So you close the notebook on that piece of paper, put it in a drawer (not-quite-accidentally chopping off a hairy leg as you slam the drawer closed) and quietly block off that soft spot of your soul that so desperately wanted to change, wanted to accomplish something significant, wanted to be more.

Ever been there? I have. More times than I care to think about.

So let’s do something about it. Let’s quit doing the same old things that lead to the same old failures.

Let’s Do A New Thing …. Together.

In the New Year, New Thing series, we will look at New Things we can do to win at some of the most commonly broken resolutions. I’ve lined up a group of my friends to help us. I am so excited about this series and to kick us off, I wanted to share three reasons we failed at resolutions before and how this series will help THIS TIME be different.

1. We look back at past failures

Forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13-14 (ESV)

There is a difference between learning from our mistakes and dwelling on them. Focusing on past failures keeps us focused on ourselves. Our New Year, New Thing series is all about pressing forward toward a goal God has called us to …. one where a closer walk with Him is the ultimate prize.

2. We try the same old things

From this time forth, I announce to you new things, hidden things that you have not known. Isaiah 48:6 (ESV)

What’s that old definition of insanity? Doing the same thing over and over again, but expecting a different result?

Each post in this series will feature a New Thing, a fresh approach, something maybe you haven’t tried before from someone who has seen it be effective in her life.

3. We don’t have the right tools or resources

Now may the God of peace … equip you with everything good for doing his will. Hebrews 13:20-21 (NIV)

Admit it. In a pinch, you’ve tried to use a high heeled shoe to hammer in a nail. How’d that work for you? Maybe got the job done, but not the best solution. With each post, we’ll be highlighting tools and resources you can use to make real progress towards your goals.

Here are the commonly-broken resolutions we will tackle:
• Saving money
• Being healthier
• Spending more time in the Bible
• Getting organized
• Stressing less
• Learning something new
• Spending more time with family

The writers for this series are top-notch.  I promise.  Ministry leaders, published authors, business professionals … truly experts in their fields.  I am so honored that they have partnered with me to bring this series to you.

Y’all, I have struggled with every one of these things at one point or another (like, yesterday for most of them!). Let’s do it. Let’s make this the year we outrun the hairy-legged monster.

RESOURCES

RESPOND

How do you feel about New Year Resolutions? Are any of these something you want to work on this year?


Tired from trying to share your God-inspired message while working your full time job?

Do you wonder if it’s worth it, or even possible, to build a ministry or business on the side?

I have good news for you. It is possible. It is worth it. You can do it.

That’s why I’m glad to share with you the four-part Honor System, to help you honor all the work God has given you to do. These are the hard-earned lessons I’ve taken away from chasing after my dreams and maintaining the career that supports my family.

Grab it here!

 

15 thoughts on “New Year, New Thing: How to Win at Resolutions”

    • Thank you, Rachel. That is one of my blogging goals this year. I truly believe that God’s Word is applicable to everything in our lives and I’m challenging myself to find His perspective on everything I post on my blog. Thank you for visiting!

      Reply
  1. I just love this idea! I can always use help on seeing my resolutions in a new light. I’m never that great at sticking to them but love finding resources that point me in the right direction! I’m excited to see what this series has to offer over the next few weeks!
    Oh and also!! I linked up one of your previous posts on my blog today because I found it to be super helpful as well!

    Reply
  2. This is just what I needed! I am in the midst of dreading getting back into a routine and planning for what I want to accomplish. I always dwell on failures, so I am currently trying to learn from them and not take them too harshly!

    Reply
  3. Hi Christa,
    I made three resolutions this year, but I can only remember two of them, LOL!
    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 if you could use a blogging tip or two. That’s what I write about.
    Janicej

    Reply
  4. Sounds like it’s going to be a great series Christa! I especially like the idea of New year/new thing. I have already decided to do something different this year and I am so excited to see how God uses me for His glory in 2016! I will definitely have to return to see what is being shared here going forward. Thank you for sharing this on the purposeful faith/rara link up and may God bless you and yours in 2016

    Reply

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