As the year starts to come to a close and we think about what we want the next twelve months and 2021 to look like, it’s important to focus on the positives and our goals rather than dwelling too much on the negatives from the past 12 months.
Instead of looking at our failures, disappointments and the crazy year that 2020 has been it’s much more effective to find something to be thankful for, to focus on the positives and the goals that we still have.
To accomplish this we start making realistic plans for what we want to see happen. For example it’s not enough to say “I want to exercise more”. That resolution has no strategy behind it and is probably not going to 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 for us to 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 we run out of strength is where God is able to give us the most power and resolve. As we acknowledge our weakness we can discover how to lean on His immeasurable resources and strength, instead of just our own.
As the year 2020 starts to draw to a close determine to be kind to yourself, it’s been a weird one. We all have had to adjust, may have not been as productive as we planned and may have made some mistakes. Acknowledge the year for what it has been – the good parts and the not so great, and then focus on the positive actions you can make today and going forward.
Ask yourself, “What can I do today to help me achieve my goals?” 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, make things right, achieve your dreams and look ahead to 2021.
“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)
Prayer: Lord thank you for being with me throughout this year and that every day is a fresh chance to experience you. Please help me to see the amazing life you have planned for me and then give me the grace and strength to walk in it. In Jesus name Amen.