Happy, happy New Year to you. Better than wishing to the universe for you, I’ll pray to the Lord that 2018 brings everything beautiful to your life. Remember, beauty can be found even during the hard days  too!  Happy New Year!    

Have you made any resolutions for the New Year? A resolution is a firm decision to do or not do something, according to Google Dictionary. According to the HuffPost, eight percent (8 %) of people actually keep their New Year’s resolution.   Only eight percent of people will actually accomplish any goals they set for themselves. Why? Glad you ask!  I think a possible reason for this is the motivation/reason(s) and lack of planning.

Why are we motivated by a new year to begin change in our lives?  What makes a New Year different? Writing 2018 is different yes, but what else has changed? It is still Tuesday, like it was last week; it is still cold, just like yesterday. Why do we think we can keep any promises to ourselves, if we have to wait until the New Year to begin?   What has changed? I can’t be motivated by the fact that it is a brand new year.

If I want to realize my goals, whether I use the new year to initiate them or not, here are a few steps I should take:

1. Prioritize: Don’t pick too many resolutions/ goals.  Be realistic, don’t take on more than we can handle.
2. Make it manageable. If we are overwhelmed, more than likely we will give up before getting anywhere.
3. Write it down and add deadlines.  Any goal/resolution in our heads will stay there.
4. Commit these goals to the Lord. Need I say why?  (Proverbs 3:5,6)
5. Analyze our motivation. Who will it benefit? At what or whose expense? (why do I want it?)
6. Make a step by step plan for accomplishing said goals.  How are we going to achieve these goals? 
7. Commit it to the Lord (I know I said so already, but that’s how important it is)
8. Execute the plans. Now we do! Ultimately, all our resolutions may not be realized, but it won’t be because we gave up or didn’t try.  Remember plans must be written in lead, rather than ink, because the Lord will have the final say.
9. Evaluate the progress every four to six weeks. Do we need to adjust the plans? Should we continue in that direction?  That ensures we do not forget about it.
10. Have an accountability partner.  Remember ‘the way to hell is paved with good intentions’.

I have to do things differently. That includes having a plan for the change! This year, my primary goal is to become ‘a woman who fears the Lord’. To emulate her, I must ensure that my quiet time with the Lord is NOT optional in 2018.  I must daily die to self, by reminding myself of the Lord’s standard.  I must choose to surrender my will for His perfect and good will.  I must be intentional with my walk with the Lord.  I must seek that true beauty that only the Lord can give, while still leaving out self righteousness. I must realize that change will be inevitable when I submit to the Holy Spirit.

Some believe that by substituting the name ‘resolutions’ for goals, we will then have the desired results. I do not understand the reasoning. Perhaps it is psychological? Huh! Unfortunately, or perhaps fortunately, in order to emulate this woman of grace, I need to plan for the change. Can you see me now? I want to take you with me on this journey.  Believe me, when I say we will be absolutely beautiful women of grace! What are your resolutions/goals for the New Year?

Thank you, thank you, thank you to all who have taken the time to ‘follow’ the blog.  I am humbled by your comments and likes on the posts.  May the Lord be honored on this adventure.

Have a blessed day and remember: God’s love is unfailing, unwavering and unconditional!