We are in a new year – 2021 – and I know there is a lot we need to leave behind. If I am going to be my best self after a year of yoga pants it’s going to be a choice. So here are seven things I tend to do when I am emotionally or physically at my limit – that I need to leave far behind in 2020.
- 🏃🏼♀️💨 running from problems
- ☠️ abandoning relationships
- 💬 forgetting what God has done
- 🚫 focusing on what God isn’t doing
- 👶🏼 assuming nobody else has it as tough
- 🚧 giving up
- 🤹🏼♀️ being very confused about my goals
Now there are lots and LOTS of specific verses dealing with problems and forgetfulness and giving up but I think what Elijah said in 1 Kings 18:21 pretty much sums up what I need to do: “And Elijah came near to all the people and said, “How long will you go limping between two different opinions? If the LORD is God, follow him; but if Baal, then follow him.”
Choices matter. One of the greatest blessings God created in us was free will, but we must use our power to choose correctly. I believe the Lord is God, so I must choose to follow him. I must choose to follow God’s will for my life by facing my problems with determination. I need to prioritize relationships, remember what God has done and focus on what God is doing. I need to stop making assumptions about others, stick with things and be clear on my goals. If the Lord is God, follow him.
That being said, change is difficult. Whoever finds a way to bottle and market motivation and self-discipline will make a fortune. But because that person is NOT me I’ll just give you five ways that help me approach change:
- Focus on a change of heart (deep heart-felt desires), not just a change of mind & behavior.
- Practice self-discipline. Did you know that self-control is a muscle that, like other muscles, needs exercise and strengthening. Change doesn’t happen because you want it to happen. Each time you resist temptation, you are developing greater self-control.
- Eliminate temptation. Whether it is a physical dependence or a psychological dependence, any temptation will distract you from your goals.
- Make history your teacher, not your jailer. Instead of beating yourself up when you fail to keep your promises to yourself, seek to gain self-knowledge so you won’t repeat the error.
- Surround yourself with people who will support your effort. We are much more influenced by other people than we imagine. One of the most potent forces for positive change is the emotional support of the individuals who surround you.
Do you want to kick the 7 pitfalls to a good 2021 and develop the ability to follow the Lord no matter what?! Use these 5 tips to help you change. We’ve got this beautiful friends!
Grow Anyway 