I subscribe to a few things online that help with tidbits of information.
A word for the day – not a scripture, literally a word and its definition and history. Among the things I subscribe to is a site called Wise Geek. It’s fascinating getting their emails every morning and reading odd bits and bobs about facts we don’t pay attention to.
This morning’s email, among other things, informed me that of the people who make new year’s resolutions only 8% achieve them. (Read the link for more details, it is dependent on certain research factors.)
When I came across that I initially said to myself – that many? True story. My take on life is that there are some things that are fads that people get hung up with for the moment and after a while move onto another fad. The New Years Resolution deal on the surface is a fad. To truly make lasting change and hit goals that you set for yourself requires something a bit more than a bright positive thought on January 1st.
What you might also notice on that Wise Geek link is that it has the origins of the month January. Just as with the term Genesis, January is about beginnings. Starting anything requires a first step and a dedication to the journey.
My life is full of false beginnings. Ideas I get excited about on Monday and are gone on Friday. I am an ideas guy. The difference, however, between bright ideas and true beginnings is an understanding of the need to be dedicated. Perhaps for the resolutions it would help if there was resolve behind it. An understanding that what we set for ourselves is not just wishful thinking, but it’s something worth investing what is necessary to see it through.
I have read and heard a bit about SMART goals, the one element that appears missing in the acronym is an element of drive, desire, motivation or dedication. Beneficial though the the concept is, it’s good in a month of beginnings to reflect again on what is important. If you are setting goals for the year, what is the point? Are you setting it to follow the crowd? Are you prepared to invest what it takes to realise those goals?
This is not to put a dampener on the New Year’s buzz of optimism. Actually it’s to encourage you to consider carefully what it is you want. I, too, have my goals for the year. As God’s Word suggests I look to put them to God constantly for His direction and leading.
Let’s hope this year, we can be part of the 8%.
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
C. L. J. Dryden
Life With CD 