Life Style Goals for 2011

Reason escapes me as to why it is at the end of an old year or the beginning of a new one that so many people seemingly “out of the blue” just realize that their lives are out of control and something must be done. Not only must something be done, it must done NOW! So what do we do? Oh, we run around like our hair is on fire (usually on New Year’s Eve to make a list of “Resolutions” for the New Year. I am certain if someone from another planet observed this phenomenon they would be very amused at the strange behavior and with great haste make it back to their spaceship.  Webster defines Resolution as “a firm decision to do or not do something”. Now, assuming you can find or remember your list from 2010...Does this definition sound remotely like what you did? Now you are thinking ok, what’s your point? I thought you would never ask. The point is, most Resolutions don’t end well and rarely resemble Webster’s definition. So, what are some specific reason for failed “Resolutions”? There are of course, many but the following are some of the most common:

1- Spur of the moment ideas...The wheel squeaking loudest. Like maybe you “just 
    realized” you don’t have a pair of pants you can comfortably button.
2- Failing to understand how to set and actually reach a goal.
3- Failing to follow the plan. No Plan is any better than the person executing it.

So, lets talk about how we can succeed. This may even mean you ditch the list you just made or do some serious surgery on it. Before we talk about some positive steps, let’s look at some of the most common Resolutions Men make.

1- Loose Weight
2- Get fit
3- Get a Physical
4- Stop a bad habit
5-Begin some new habit
6- Improve relationships

I choose to call this Life Style Goal Setting rather than “Resolutions”. Here are several tips on “finishing well”.

1- Understand that Long-Term Change is what we are talking about. When you begin with the typical New Year’s Resolution mindset you are setting yourself for failure from the beginning. I think you will agree that your first or early thought after hearing someone say NYR is “That didn’t work”. So we must change our mindset.
2- Understand that change begins in my mind is huge. This is why there is so much emphasis in scripture on renewing the mind. So, change that mindset and begin with the end in mind.
3- Remember that goals must be Realistic, Measurable and they must be written. There is much more that could be said here but perhaps later. If you have difficulty setting goals click on this link for a handy free tool. Goal Enforcer may be just the tool you need. to help. I would love to hear your thoughts and progress as you work on your Life Style Goals.
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