New Year's Resolutions

The Apostle Paul says we should put off the old and put on the new, and the beginning of a new year is a time we reflect on what we’d like to change and do a little goal setting for the future. Researchers tell us that top New Year’s Resolutions have to do with Weight Loss, Exercise,To Stop Smoking, Better money management, and Debt reduction. (Some of those are on my list.)

Researchers also say that making resolutions actually does help effect change. Here are some statistics:

· People who explicitly make resolutions are ten times more likely to attain their goals than people who don't.

· 64% are still keeping resolution after one month

· 46% are still keeping resolution after six month

Proactivechange.com says some keys to making resolutions successful are:

• Making the goal specific and measurable with a timeframe
• Writing your goal down
• Having accountability (getting support) Tell somebody about it.
• Tracking Your Progress against the goal
• Viewing failure as part of the process, and getting back on the wagon if you fall off

Have you thought about making some Spiritual New Year's Resolutions? Here are some possible spiritual goals for 2011:

· Attend church more regularly

· Read through the Bible this year (or for the over-achievers in 90 days)

· Establish a daily quiet time for prayer or reading the Word.

· Join a small group at church (or be more regular at the Fishersmen weekly breakfast)

· Participate in an outreach or evangelistic event this year

· Journal your prayer requests to see God’s faithfulness

· Become a mentor to someone this year (A Paul in Operation Timothy?)

How about sharing your New Year’s Resolutions with an accountability partner?

How about writing down a commitment or two at spending more time with God in 2011?