See, about the second week into the year I realize that I'm not really doing things any differently than I did in December. I haven't written any more. I'm not walking the dog any more. I certainly haven't been doing more laundry.
So I feel bad then say to myself, "Well, maybe next year."
I think perhaps that is a common occurrence... or is it just me?
I really need to drop that mindset and instead develop the "every day is a new beginning" mindset. So, failed in my New Year plans. I can make New Day plans for today. And if I fail, maybe tomorrow will be better.
I don't know. I have noticed as I look back, that I have changed a lot in a lot of different areas. But it hasn't been through striving to reach goals as much as through gradual, little baby-step changes. And it has perhaps been God at work in me more than myself at work.
I'm doing a lot of thinking about all this because there is always so much talk about goals this time of year. I am trying to figure out what motivates me and work from there.
What about you? Do you relate to the "maybe next year" thing? Do goals motivate you. Are you able to set them and succeed?
Goals do not motivate me at all. In fact, they're like a monkey on my back and that makes me even more resentful. I get angry and frustrated and want monkey for dinner. Okay. Maybe not for dinner, but I want the monkey gone, back in the jungle where he belongs.
ReplyDeleteIt's like the Scripture memorization. It's a chore, unless my brain is engaged.
We need to figure out how to do goals like we're doing our Scriptures.
Just take it slow and easy, a little at a time. Don't try to do everything at once. Set smaller goals, i.e. I will do one extra load of laundry on Monday, or I will write for ten minutes right after I do my quiet time.
ReplyDeleteI had a friend who was physically and emotionally incapacitated for a while and was having a hard time even getting her dishes done. She wrote long lists of things she wanted to get done and then couldn't get anything done. I suggested she put down "wash 10 pieces of silverware" as one goal and then mark it off. The smaller steps worked better for her.
I have noticed as I look back, that I have changed a lot in a lot of different areas. But it hasn't been through striving to reach goals as much as through gradual, little baby-step changes......... I so agree!!! :)
ReplyDeleteThis is not a typical year for me. Everything is new. It's hard. Baby steps are way easier. I think you have the right idea.
ReplyDelete