No Resolutions, Please
by
Candice Watters
on Jan 1, 2008 at 12:02 PM
Forget the pipe dreams, good intentions and big ideas. Let this be the year of no resolutions. Instead, why not spend today thinking about what you'd really like to accomplish in 2008 and then set some goals to help you get there.
Resolutions and goals are not the same. When you make a resolution -- say, to lose 15 pounds by Friday -- you only have one shot at doing it. The first time you slip: one bite (or pound) of chocolate, one meal other than broccoli, your resolution's blown. If you're resolved to run 5 miles a day for the whole year, your resolution only lasts as long as you never miss a workout. But you're human. It's our nature to mess up.
That's why I love goals. If my goal is to lose weight and get in shape, then I can work toward those outcomes with planned steps along the way. And when I mess up, and inevitably, I will, I can still keep working to achieve my goals.
So this year, why not skip the resolutions and set some goals that will find you this time next year, looking back and adding up all you've accomplished.
Happy New Year!
1. DannieA had the following to say on Jan 1 at 1:18 PM:
and here I thought that Resolutions were like goals...so I've basically been achieving my "resolutions" every year. LOL
2. Stephen Altrogge had the following to say on Jan 1 at 1:59 PM:
Candice,
I appreciate your thoughts on this, although I tend to disagree a bit. I think resolutions, if they are serious, tend to carry a bit more weight than goals. Goals are just something to shoot for, resolutions are something I seriously intend to do. I think this is especially true of spiritual resolutions, such as the ones made by Jonathan Edwards.
Just my thoughts. You might achieve more with your goals than I do with my resolutions...
3. Stanhope had the following to say on Jan 1 at 2:39 PM:
Huh? Resolutions don't die in the face of obstacles or setbacks. In fact, challenges often make us more resolute.
Thanks, but I'll keep my resolutions. A resolution is -- by definition -- a commitment to personal action. A goal is merely a statement of desired outcome.
Think of it this way. If you were drowning, which would you prefer:
The person who resolves to save you, or the person who sets a goal of saving you?
Kind of a no-brainer, isn't it?
4. Lauren T. had the following to say on Jan 1 at 3:32 PM:
I agree!
Resolving to do something is a lot different (and more discouraging when you fail) than saying, "This year, I hope to plant another tree in the yard, draw a nose correctly, and make a Christmas list BEFORE Thanksgiving."
5. Hannah had the following to say on Jan 1 at 4:37 PM:
Way back in high school I resolved never to make another New Year's resolution.
Thus far I've kept it.
I find the goal mindset much more motivating for me too!
Happy New Year!
6. Anna had the following to say on Jan 1 at 6:03 PM:
I've actually read quite a bit in a similar vein around the blogosphere lately... people saying why making resolutions isn't a good idea. But I'm not convinced yet, if they're made in a spirit of dependence on grace. Jonathan Edwards' resolutions are a great example, as Stephen mentioned.
7. Jacob Douvier had the following to say on Jan 1 at 6:23 PM:
I'd like to encourage us all not to let resolutions or goals turn into works of the law. Our value before God is not determined by what we do and don't do. It's determined by what God did and doesn't do.
8. Jennifer had the following to say on Jan 1 at 9:34 PM:
I agree with you, Jacob. As I stated in my comment to Denise's post, I think we all (myself included) tend to put too much weight on ourselves and the "clean slate" we've been given, instead of realizing that Christ has made the slate clean for us perpetually and that we cannot add anything to his work!
9. Rachael had the following to say on Jan 2 at 1:47 AM:
While we shouldn't become legalistic, sometimes internal battle (yes, through God's strength and grace) is in order to fight sin. If any of your New Year's "goals" include fighting sin and embracing God's holiness, I'd like to recommend the book called "How can I change?: Victory in the struggle against sin". You can buy it or download it from free here: http://www.sovereigngracestore.com/ProductInfo.aspx?productid=B3140-00-11 .
I still have a couple of chapters left to read, but I have no hesitation in recommending it; the authors make several good points and it is evident that they revere Scripture and recommend its use in the battle against sin. They also go back to the basics and discuss what it means to be 'born again'. Anyway, just thought I'd throw that out there in case any of your 'goals' are aimed at honoring God through personal holiness.
10. Leann had the following to say on Jan 2 at 7:48 AM:
Thanks for the link, Rachael! I just downloaded the book.
I made a list of personal goals rather than "resolutions" as well. Many are in conjunction with one another, but mainly they are to keep me focused throughout the year on what I plan to accomplish. When I realize that I don't have any goals, it gets quite overwhelming that I'm just living to exist and go through the motions. Life doesn't seem as proactive or meaningful unless I have spiritual and physical goals to accomplish.