I'm sitting in an airport as I type this waiting for a flight home, and up on the screen is an ad which says, "Look ahead."
As it's that time of the year when people can start to lose momentum and forget about all the good intentions they had in setting and achieving goals, I was reminded, it's important to focus on the positives and our goals rather than dwelling too much on the negatives or how well we are doing.
Instead of looking at our failures, disappointments, and whatever may have happened in the past, it's much more effective to find something to be thankful for and focus on the positives and goals we have looking ahead.
To accomplish this, it helps to make realistic plans for what we want to happen. For example, saying, "I want to exercise more" is not enough. That resolution has no strategy behind it and will probably not happen or last. Instead, make a plan to succeed, write it down clearly (make a vision board), and choose specific days to exercise, what exercise to participate in and where you'll do it, and then determine with God's help to add that to your daily routine.
God wants to help us succeed in life and become the best version of ourselves. He is there to help us, and it's okay to call out, "I need help with this."
God says, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is perfected in weakness." (2 Corinthians 12:9).
Often, the exact space you run out of strength is where God can give you the most power and resolve. In acknowledging your weaknesses, you can discover how to lean on His immeasurable resources and strength instead of just your own.
Today I encourage you to determine to be kind to yourself. Everyone has had to adjust for the last few years, meaning things may not have been as productive, relaxing or free from mistakes as you planned. But rather than beating yourself up over things, congratulate yourself on how far you have come and the great person you are, and think of ten good things you can be thankful for.
Take time to acknowledge the season you are in – the good parts and the not-so-great, and then focus on the positive attitudes you can build more of and the action steps to take today and in the future.
What can you do today to help achieve your goals?" Who and what have you to be grateful for, and how can you keep looking ahead?
Then thank God for His strength, wisdom and help as you step out and do it.
And remember, every day, not year, is a chance to work on your goals and the amazing person you already are and are becoming whilst you look ahead to achieve your dreams and God's purpose and best for your life.
"For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope." (Jeremiah 29:11)
"The faithful love of the Lord never ends. His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning." (Lamentations 3:22-23)
"We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps. (Proverbs)
Prayer: Lord, thank you for being with me and that every day is a new chance to experience you and to grow. Please help me to see the amazing life you have planned for me, to walk in your plans and purposes and then give me the grace and strength to walk in it. In Jesus' name Amen.
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