By: Christine Agaibi
As we wrap up 2011 most of us will spend the last few hours and moments of this year reflecting on the past year and pondering our goals for the year to come. New Year’s resolutions are often born of this reflection and of the ambitions we have for the future.As we contemplate all our accomplishments, disappointments, joys, and sorrows from this year, let us not forget that regardless of your circumstances, the New Year can unfold with many wonderful possibilities and opportunities. Many of us spend the last moments of the old year contemplating how to best improve in the New Year and optimistically make commitments and resolutions to achieve new goals.
So, how can we make goals that are likely to be accomplished in the New Year? Additionally, how can we sustain our resolutions so that they last beyond just a few days or weeks and instead lead to long lasting triumphs? St. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians states, “Indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him as the truth is in Jesus. That you put off concerning your former conduct the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful and be renewed in the spirit of your mind and that you put on the new man which was created according to God in true righteousness and holiness.” (Ephesians 4:21-24).
Therefore, wherever we are currently in our lives, we need to create a fresh start that “takes off the old man” and “put on a new one” placing God at the center. Our resolutions first and foremost need to be dedicated to improving our relationship with God. All else will follow from there as the verse says, “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” Matthew 6:33.
Secondly, our goals should be clear and focused. If we do not have goals that are clear, it will be difficult to attain those goals because we do not know exactly what we are reaching for and we will not know when we get there. Clear vision equals clear success!
Thirdly, our goals should be reachable and attainable. While it is good to aim high, it is important to aim for a goal that is eventually accessible with hard work and perseverance. If our goal is too difficult to reach, it may become too difficult, take too long, or prove to be frustrating. We may thus get disappointed and quit altogether. Make your goals reachable. Reachable equals attainable!
Forth, another way to make sure you meet your goals is to keep your eyes on the large goal at the end of the road while also making smaller goals along the way. Make a road map and develop an action plan of what small goals you would like to reach and when you would like to reach them by. Reaching the smaller milestones will boost yourself confidence and will show you progress towards your big goal. Believe that you can and you will! Small successes eventually lead to big accomplishments!
Fifth, be flexible and persevere! If you do not reach your goals by your goal date, that is ok! Adjust your goal and your goal date to something more attainable. This way you do not get frustrated and you still work towards your goal. Perseverance and flexibility are key to goal attainment. Even if you meet obstacles along the way working hard to overcome them while being persistent will eventually get you closer to the goal. Flexibility leads to success!
Sixth, tell a friend, priest, parent, or other loved one about your goal. In this way you will get support towards meeting your goal. Additionally, when you tell someone else what your goal is you will feel accountable to him or her to work towards accomplishing your goal. Your family, priest, and friends will cheer you on and support you if you start to hesitate. Another benefit is that they will give you alternatives towards meeting your goal if you feel you have hit a dead end. Family, priests, and friends are a great support system when you are feeling down. Leaning on others will help you reach the finish line!
Finally, remember that change does not happen overnight. Do not expect that any change will occur quickly. Change and progress take time! Thinking in this way will help you to not feel frustrated if it takes a long time to get to where you want to be. Goals are a work in progress. Keep a log or journal of your progress and you will be amazed at how far you have come. Remember to keep God first in your life and He will guide your journey and bless it.
May you all have a blessed, healthy, and prosperous New Year. May God “crown the year with His goodness…” (Psalm 65:11).