Goals or Laziness, Your Choice!

Old habits die hard.

Can't teach an old dog a new trick.

We've all heard these sayings before but are they really true? Can people really change?  With the beginning of a new year, so many make resolutions to change something about themselves.  Resolutions to change eating habits, exercise more, stop smoking, get out of debt and read through the Bible in one year... The possibilities are endless.  

The start of a new year is like a blank slate and it is exciting!  Why is it that by February, most are no longer sticking to their new year resolution?  Most are no longer sticking to their healthy eating plan, no longer setting aside time each day to complete their Bible reading plan, shopping with the credit card because there is a fabulous sale, sleeping in a little longer in the morning and missing the workout. Why do so many give up after such a short time?  

Why do we start the new year out with the excitement of change but quickly that excitement wears off and we slow down, lose momentum and eventually quit?  I think it is because we lack discipline. 

 Discipline means, "the practice of training people to obey rules or a code of behavior, using punishment to correct disobedience." 

The Bible has quite a bit to say about discipline.  Not just disciplining your children but also how to discipline your mind, body and soul. 

Hebrews 12:11 nlt: "No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening- it's painful!  But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way." 

So many of us get in a life rut.  We just do the next thing life offers.  No short-term or long-term goals for yourself or for your family.  My friend, God has created you and me for so much more than complacent living.  Have you ever written a 'bucket list' at some point in your life?  Did you ever do anything with that list?  Do you keep it where you can see it and cross things off it frequently?

This quote by Winston Churchill has impacted my life in a big way.  

Making a plan of action is so important if you want to succeed at your goals.  Know what you are working towards.  Share your goals with your spouse and/or a close friend so they can pray for you and keep you accountable.  Following through on a resolution/goal is not easy.  It takes discipline and commitment to see it through.  Usually the good things in life do not come easy.  When we work hard towards a goal, we get such a sense of pride and accomplishment.  

It is so motivating to be around someone who has goals and is committed to them.  You have no idea who you are impacting with your life.  Use your time on Earth wisely.  You pursuing your goals will impact someone else and motivate them towards their goals.  

I pray that we do not get to the end of our life and have a list of regrets because we were to lazy to follow through on our goals.  Do not live a complacent life. Seek God daily, pray daily about your goals and don't be the old dog who didn't want to learn a new trick.  

Change is possible!  Use 2015 wisely and discipline yourself to make the changes you want to see.

More to come on this topic!