Reflections and Resolutions!

It’s that time of the year when most people soberly reflect on the year’s happenings and enthusiastically make resolutions against the coming year.

Basically, this is what most of us do; we make a list of all the things that didn’t quite go according to plan in the present year, and make a list of the things we’re going to do or habits we’re going to pick up in the following year. (I did this a lot back then).

Often times, almost every time, you end up being the same year in, year out. Have you ever stopped to wonder why?

Perhaps, there is something you’re not doing right or missing out on. Perhaps, making a list of do’s and don’ts is not just enough.

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Every year towards the end of year, mostly on the 31st, I always sat with a pen and paper and made a list of the changes I wanted to see in myself with effect from the next day— January 1st.

I can tell you quite frankly, it never worked. In less than a week, I wouldn’t even know where that piece of paper was, nor would I remember to follow through. And when I do eventually remember, I’d have this awful feeling but it never got beyond that, and so by the end of that year, I’d be making the same “new year’s resolutions” and following the exact patterns. What a tiresome circle.

A few years down the line, I got to know about retreats and had this blueprint I followed. It was usually 3 days away from all my life’s ‘noise’. On the first day, I did reflections on the year. On the second, I set new goals for the year, and on the third, I did a personal thanksgiving. That was a little more productive but still, not as effective as I hoped it would be.

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It’s wonderful to have reflections on your life for the past year, it’s even more wonderful to make resolutions, BUT don’t leave it at that. Here are a few tips which might help.

3 things you can do to actually live your new year’s resolutions

Before I dive fully into that, I meditated on a Scripture just recently, and it is applicable to what I want to state here.

“In every situation [no matter what the circumstances] be thankful and continually give thanks to God; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.”
1 Thessalonians 5:18 AMP

The idea to “… continually give thanks to God” connotes it’s a non-stop process. It is a daily lifestyle, and is not restricted to the good days alone.

1. Reflect on the year which is about coming to an end. Yes, this includes the good and the bad alike. And while at it, give thanks all the way— thankfully reflect on the good you accomplished and on the shortcomings you had. There’s this thing about a heart of gratitude— it makes your heart lighter,even when the bad outweighs the good. However, don’t restrict reflecting on your life to an end-of-the-year ritual. Carry that attitude even into the new year. Reflect on your progress often— monthly maybe. It makes it easier to track.
2. Resolution is just another synonym for ‘goal setting’. I bet you wouldn’t want to refrain from setting goals till the year is coming to an end. How would you possibly survive through it? If you don’t set goals on the go, how will you grow?
3. Results are possible when you put in the necessary work. You definitely would not get test results if you don’t sit for that test, would you? Well, it’s the same thing. Same principle, same rule applies.

Despite what you might have been told, don’t give up on resolutions just yet; there’s hope and you can smash your goals.

Cheers to steady growth.

PS: Happy New Year!

Sending love and light your way,

Zoey.