The New Year is around the corner and with that comes many New Years Resolutions. I jumped off that bandwagon years ago, because resolutions don’t stick. They have a negative connotation attached to them, making one feel that they aren’t good enough the way they are so they need to change.
I try not to bash on what I didn’t do in 2017, but I try to highlight all that I accomplished and just forget about what I didn’t. I always make personal and professional goals for the year, but I also have learned what is feasible and reasonable as well. I stop having every “resolution” be something I have to do more of, and instead I try to word them in a way I do less of something. For example, less junk food instead of eat healthier or more vegetables. In stead of “Lose more weight” or “exercise more” try, “less sugar and junk food” and “less TV time,” this will equate to more time for working out, and more weight lost.
Because I ditched resolutions years ago, I focus on a word or two that my year is dedicated to. This word guides the next year, and as a result helps to keep my goals in check. This year I procrastinated in choosing a word. I prayed on it and a few weeks ago, I got the word “FOCUS.” I didn’t really think that was for me, so I tried to think up another word on my own.
I didn’t think I needed help FOCUSING, I am self motivated and Type-A, so that just didn’t seem to be a fit. But as I thought on the word, I realized it’s exactly what I needed. I can become distracted by many things, and it can ruin the outcome of my productivity and my goals. I get sidetracked FOCUSING on what isn’t important and negativity and doubt creep in.
I lose FOCUS on simple tasks, because I flood my day with little items / things that aren’t as important, but I think need to be done. I have vowed to make 2018 a year of FOCUS. To FOCUS on what is important and to FOCUS on God’s truths and Word. To stop dwelling on what I cannot change and control. To stop saying “yes” when my plate is full.
FOCUS……..on my family and my health.
FOCUS……..on my successes and not on the successes of others.
FOCUS……..on my destiny and plan and stop comparing and FOCUSING on other’s lives.
FOCUS……..on using my talents for His kingdom purposes.
FOCUS……..on moving forward and not dwelling on the past.
FOCUS……..on what God has given me now, not what I expect to have by now.
FOCUS………on His promises and His Word.
FOCUS……..on each day, hour, minute and not on tomorrow or yesterday.
FOCUSING is much more than needing FOCUS for a certain project or task, but it can also be applied to many other areas of our lives. How much time do we spend FOCUSING on others and what others have? On comparing ourselves to others? Are we FOCUSING on failures and past regrets, instead of FOCUSING on His promises and goodness…..FOCUSING on faith and hope.
2018 will be a year for me to FOCUS. I need only to say the word, and I will know exactly what is needed in that moment. Those moments I fill comparison robbing me….FOCUS…..those moments the kids are testing me…..FOCUS…..the moment a surprise vehicle or house fix is needed……FOCUS…..the moment doubt creeps in…..FOCUS.
I hope you all have a wonderful New Year and 2018 is filled with health & joy!!
Until Next Year Be Whole and Be Fit
What is your word for 2018? Any big plans / goals?