January 1st comes with a huge surge of anticipation, goal-setting, and strategic planning. People announce that they’ll be going to the gym every day for the rest of the year, that they’ll read x amount of books every month, or that they’ll travel to exotic places. They make plans for promotions with high energy kicked into gear, and talk about living their “best life now”.
The truth is for most people, come February 1st, all that will be left of that energy is smoke and steam from a locomotive that thought it could, but couldn’t.
It’s said that only 8% of people who set new year resolutions will actually accomplish them. I can attest to that—I used to make new years resolutions, too, and I only accomplished about 25% of what was on my list for three years in a row before I threw in the towel. It was disappointing for most (learn another language, travel more, drink more water) and hilarious for some— I’m still not quite sure why making a historical wardrobe made it on my list when I was 15 (it definitely didn’t happen).
We can make plans and goals all we want to, but ultimately, God plans our steps. (Proverbs 16:9) So what if we stopped making up our own plans, and invited Him to reveal His plans for us?
The key to your goals in 2020 is not creating more rigid schedules, being a boss babe, or striving for the next big thing. Don’t get me wrong—goals are good—but they need to be the right goals for the right reasons. So here’s 5 ways to discovering what those right goals are, and sticking to them:
1. Write a list of all the goals, hopes, and dreams you have for 2020—no matter how big or small.
Now, read over the list and ask God to show you which goals He would have you to pursue this year. Circle the ones you feel Him leading you to, and cross out the rest.
2. Ask God what His heart is for you, for your family, for your friends, and for your community
Write down what He brings to mind. Are your goals consistent with His heart for those around you, and do they communicate more of His love?
3. Read Proverbs 3.
Ask God for wisdom for this year, trusting that He will direct your paths. As you process through this upcoming year, is there anyone in your life you can go to who has Godly wisdom and input? Share with that person what God has been revealing to you, and invite them to speak into your life as well. (Proverbs 15:22)
4. Consider fasting for a certain amount of time, whether from certain foods or social media.
Biblically speaking, fasting signifies repentance, seeking God’s help, vision, breakthrough, and new ministry among other things. Fasting isn’t about getting what you want from God—it’s about getting more of God’s heart and understanding more of what He has.
5. Live with grace.
You don’t have to rush the process, nor do you need to rush your life. Each day will hold new and beautiful things, and plenty of ups and downs. Live in the moment now, not for the moment to come in the future!
With Love from Victoria 