Some people approach a new year with uncertainty and dread, fearing what is ahead rather than viewing a new year as a blank, white screen, or tablet, on which to craft a fresh story.
A new year is refreshing, full of possibilities and hope. You can choose what you will do with the year ahead, whether you will regain or sustain forward motion, or give in to lethargy.
Following are some areas to consider addressing this year:
Will You Take a Look at What Needs Change?
Self-evaluation is challenging. Often, we perceive what we want to be real rather than the truth. Self-evaluation requires honesty, wisdom, and accurate perception. Take a look at what you need to change and begin the process, knowing it will require effort and persistence.
Will You Employ Discipline?
After the indulgence of the holidays, we often decide to start an exercise program or diet. Yet many people never make it through January before old habits take over and resolutions are forgotten. Often the most productive method of changing old patterns is small, incremental steps that don’t require such drastic change.
Your need for discipline may be in other areas, such as limiting screen time or tackling projects that you repeatedly move to the bottom of the list. No matter where you need to employ discipline, make a list, set some goals, enlist the help of an accountability partner, and begin.
Will You Declutter?
Having spent many months last year cleaning out the home where my grandparents and two aunts lived, I am well aware of the need to declutter my own home. That will be a priority for this new year.
But, for you, does decluttering need to extend beyond letting go of things and involve releasing anger, bitterness, or jealousy? Could you benefit from decluttering attitudes, perceptions, and detrimental actions? Commit to decluttering this year in whatever area is necessary.
Will You Spend Time Wisely?
In a world filled with distractions, it is easy to lapse into the mode of least resistance and allow time to be spent in mindless pursuits. Instead, focus on what’s important: relationships, health, spiritual development, and the cherishing of family and friends.
Many times, we relegate what is truly important to a future timetable, but today is here, opportunities are available, and there is no guarantee of tomorrow.
Will You Make Well-Thought-Out Decisions?
Have you ever made rash decisions regarding purchasing, jobs, relationships? We all have. Later, we may regret decisions made without thinking ahead to consequences.
A fine balance exists between thinking through and over-thinking, but this year, employ wisdom, enough time, and prayer when decision-making. Trust God for insight and direction and allow this year to be one of forward motion.
“Brothers and sisters, as I said, I know I have not arrived; but there’s one thing I am doing: I’m leaving my old life behind, putting everything on the line for this mission. I am sprinting toward the only goal that counts: to cross the line, to win the prize, and to hear God’s call to resurrection life found exclusively in Jesus the Anointed” (Philippians 3:13-14 VOICE).
©CandyArrington
Candy Arrington is a writer, blogger, speaker, and freelance editor. She often writes on tough topics with a focus on moving through, and beyond, difficult life circumstances. Candy has written hundreds of articles, stories, and devotionals published by numerous outlets including: Inspiration.org, Arisedaily.com, CBN.com, Healthgrades.com, Care.com, Focus on the Family, NextAvenue.org, CountryLiving.com, and Writer’s Digest. Candy’s books include Life on Pause: Learning to Wait Well (Bold Vision Books), When Your Aging Parent Needs Care (Harvest House), and AFTERSHOCK: Help, Hope, and Healing in the Wake of Suicide (B&H Publishing Group).
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