Gleanings…

So, how are you doing with your New Year’s resolutions?  If you have not abandoned them already, you are to be commended because so many have already given up all hope of seeing them through.  For those still hanging on, keep doing what you are doing, it appears to be working.  For the rest of us, maybe we could use a little help.

A recent article* in Forbes magazine by Kevin Kruse shared 7 “secrets” that might help us from Dr. Paul Marciano, psychologist.

1.  Make your goals specific – Use a “goal system that makes goals specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART).

2.  Measure progress – “If you can measure it, you can change it.”

3.  Be patient – “Progress is seldom linear.  Making lasting change takes time.”

4.  Share your goals with friends and family – “One of the most effective things you can do is to get an ‘accountability partner’, someone who checks in with you daily or weekly.”

5.  Schedule it – “Nobody finds time, we choose time.”

6.  Something is better than nothing – “Any effort towards your goal is better than no effort.”

7.  Get up, when you slip up – “Don’t turn temporary failures into total meltdowns or excuses for giving up.”

Reading through that list gave me the thought that these “secrets” can be applicable to more than just New Year’s resolutions.  No matter what task is set before you, no matter what changes you feel you need to make, success is more likely if you develop the right skills, execute strategies, and have patience.

Sounds a lot like what Jesus was teaching the disciples.

Want a closer walk with God?  Want to make a difference in a social justice issue?  Want to help your family, your marriage, your work situation?  Begin with prayer, then set your goals and get started.  Finally, share what God is doing in your life.  You never know who is listening.

Braxton ><>

* For the full article see: http://www.forbes.com/sites/kevinkruse/2016/12/26/7-secrets-of-people-who-keep-their-new-years-resolutions/