One of the most common activities people do in the new year is to create new years goals. I’m sure you can attest to that, as I can. Some of us call it resolutions and others have moved away from that term due to its association with the quite often inevitable result of, resolutions becoming unmet resolutions. Why is it so hard to meet these goals! Have you ever wondered? Here’s a big part of it, many of us rely on this thing called “Motivation” to help us succeed at the objective we’re pursuing—and that method of approach just doesn’t cut it. It hasn’t in the past and it won’t this year either.
I don’t know how many goals I’ve set over the years that I’ve started, got some momentum and then didn’t make it to the end. This isn’t some unrelatable phenomenon—I think almost everyone can relate to this at some point in their lives. Some of it has to do with fear of failure and/or success, doubt that the desired outcome will not come to fruition, and even loss of interest altogether. But, it also has to do with the dependency on motivation as fuel. So how do we crack the code? What is it that we should depend on?
Recently, I took part in a two and half month challenge where I had to make something happen daily, something that was different from my daily routine. Throughout that process, I learned something about the pursuit of a goal. Although motivation does play a role, it does not dictate the success of the outcome. Do know, however, there are some things you can do to stimulate the dopamine hormone which will increase motivation in life in general, making it easier to stay focused on your path. Some of those things are to increase your magnesium intake, cut down on sugar, get active by exercising regularly, get more exposure to sunlight, listen to music you enjoy, and get at least 7 hours of restful sleep at night. But if you’re looking for a more sustainable and meaningful way to stay consistent in pursuit of your goals, focus on Discipline.
The Bible has the answers to life. It’s powerful and can help us break bad habits and build healthy habits—and it can help us develop solid discipline. These are fundamentals that I subscribe to—that I believe in, and perhaps you do too. But how many times do we let different aspects of life defeat us, even though we have this weapon to conquer the toughest of challenges? I can say personally, way too many! Well this year, let’s start things off with goals, yes, but with powerful tools that will develop discipline for the things we’re claiming as ours in 2023!
Below are some biblical principles (tools) that’ll keep us disciplined for the success of our goals. Be sure to keep them handy especially when you’re feeling like, “I just don’t want to do it today!” or “I’ll just start over next week.” We can do this! Here’s to an amazing 2023 of goals coming into fruition!
1.
“Commit your work to the LORD, and your plans will be established.” Proverbs 16:3 ESV
There’s a woman in the Bible named Hannah (1 Samuel 1) who was barren and she prayed for a child. In her prayer, she vowed to commit her child to the Lord, to his service. God granted her a child and after she finished weaning him, she put him into ministry to serve God. She literally committed/dedicated her child to God. This principle tells us, when we commit/dedicate our work to God, he will make our plans happen. How will we commit our plans to the Lord this year?
2.
“But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.” Hebrew 3:13
Yes we can do things on our own, but we’re better together. We need each other to stay focused on doing good things. Get someone to help you stay the course–an accountability partner. And as it says “encourage one another daily”, so encourage that person as well in the good that they’re trying to achieve.
3.
“Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.” 1 Timothy 4:16
What we can think about when we read this scripture is to not do anything out in the open that people can see and judge Christianity in a negative light. Drinking to get drunk, cursing, etc. But what about discipline? Jesus calls true followers his disciples which means student—people actively striving to learn and be like Jesus. One of the aspects of Jesus’ character when he was on this earth was disciplined. A way to watch our life and doctrine in the area of pursuing our goals is to be disciplined before others. No I don’t just mean social media, I mean everyday life. Real life. The goal is not to be disciplined for others, but rather being conscious that others around us can be impacted by our lack of discipline. Keeping this in mind will also help us move towards our goals.
4.
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9
I’m going to assume your goal is good. It’s to do good. It’s to be good—especially if you believe God put your goal on your heart. In this passage, good relates to something that is of benefit to others (read Galatians 6:10). Hold onto this principle as you strive towards your goal to do good for others. When the time is right, and God knows when that is, you will see the fruit of your labor. The contingency is, we cannot give up. There is a reward ahead!
5.
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” James 1:2-4
There will be trials of many kinds. Just know that nothing strange is happening. It’s normal. When you face those trials, look at this scripture. Sometimes knowing why something is hard can help you push past your feelings. You can even be joyful about it! These trials are a test of your faith. It’s an opportunity for you to persevere during these tests. That perseverance will make you grow in maturity and realize that you have all you need. You have the talent, you have the time, you have the patience, you have the energy, ultimately you have God on your side.
6.
“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13
When you feel like you can’t do it, it’s okay. With Jesus, you can do all things because HE will give you the strength. We can’t do anything without God. We can try with all of our might, and we may be able to accomplish some things, but trust and believe, it’s only because he allowed you to. But working with God makes the process so much more doable and so much more enjoyable.
Let’s hold onto these scriptures as we go after the goals that God put on our hearts!
Love,
Yardley
Which out of the 6 scriptures is your favorite?