Follow Through on Your Resolutions

It’s been a few weeks now. How are you all doing with those New Year’s resolutions and promises for a new beginning? I’m asking because it is important to follow up on what you thought was a good idea at the start of the year.

Maybe you made a promise to be more forgiving in your relationships, more kind with your words or slow to anger. Maybe you decided it was time to get back into the Word of God and revive that quiet time. Maybe you are like most Americans who vow to exercise and eat better.

We all have great intentions, but our follow through is where the rubber hits the road. Too many of us begin the New Year with a bang and then fizzle out in a month or two.

Make this year different and stick to your plans. In order to change, keep this in mind. Change is usually a process that involves several stages. Knowing these stages will help you assess where you are and what you need to do to make real change.

Step #1: Consider the pros and cons of making a change.

If you made a resolution, you already weighed the pros and cons. Just remind yourself of why you want to do what you want to do.

Step #2: Make a small change.

Any step toward the eventual goal is a good thing. So increase your exercise from nothing to one walk each week or substitute one fast food meal for one home-cooked one, or start reading your Bible for at least five minutes a day. Small changes are the beginning of change.

Step#3: Notice the change you’ve made and continue it.

Stick with the goal and recognize how your new habit is better your life.

Step #4: Incorporate the changes more and more into your lifestyle.

For example, think about ways to increase healthy eating:

• Cook with a crock pot

• Avoid fast food

• Make good restaurant food choices using a phone app as a guide

Step #5: Expect a relapse, but don’t give up or in.

Do not give in to defeat. Tell yourself, most people relapse when they are changing habits. Just get back on track rather than give up.

Once you decide to change, the key is to move beyond intentions and actually move toward your goal. Keep plugging away and ask the Holy Spirit to empower you. With God’s help, your good intentions become reality.

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Dr. Linda Mintle is the author of Letting Go of Worry (Harvest House), a book that is helping many with God’s plan for peace and contentment. Check out her website: www.drlindahelps.com.