Resolutions

                              We make all kinds  of  resolutions at this time of year.  We plan on losing weight; we plan to exercise more; we even  plan to read our Bibles more, and yet statistics show that no matter how motivated we may be, only 8% of  us will keep the resolutions we make.  Only two out of  ten people  will actually follow through. 

Yet the beginning of a new year brings a time for reflection.  We may look in the mirror and decide yes, we  do need to loose weight, or exercise.  We all should read  and  study our Bibles more and pray more.  Yet simply  put, we are sinners  and  we  fail, so what can we do?

First, resolutions  are not wishes. We can hope that we make it through the light before it turns red.  We hope that someday  we can buy that new car.  A resolution is a directed course to act differently in the future.  I resolve to stop eating dessert.  I  resolve to walk a mile a day.  It's a goal.  People who make resolutions, even if they don't keep them are more successful  at completing their goals.

75% of people who make resolutions will follow through the first week

71% will make it 2 weeks

64% will make it a month

46% will  make it 6 months

Less than half will make it six months.  Studies show that the reason resolutions  fail is because of no accountability. It's good to have an  accountability partner.  Someone you can check in with on how  you're doing. I will tell one of my children will say, "What book of the Bible are in you now?"  If I want to read more, "Have you finished reading ____________ yet?  This really helps.

Another thing that will help is only make one resolution.  Maybe you have six or seven things you want to change in the New Year, pick one.  You'll feel better making one goal than knowing you missed six others.

Don't look at what should work, but rather look at what works for you.