When you think of New Year's resolutions, do you feel hopeful or deflated? Have you started out with grand ideas of success and then reverted back to old habits after a month or two? Did you stop years ago picking a goal because experience showed it doesn't work for you? Or, maybe you're an eternal optimist and are excited to try again. Perhaps you've done well previously and are rearing to go in pursuing your next success. Whether it is the beginning of a new year or a time you are particularly motivated to bring positive change to your life, this article will help you hone in on an achievable step that will bring personal growth.
If waning willpower has been your experience, you are in good company; in fact, 80% of resolution makers1 lose momentum on each passing day, and find themselves walking away from their commitment long before the end of the year.
A key part of reaching goals is simplifying them into incremental objectives. It provides an opportunity to evaluate what's working and what's not, tweak your approach, and stay on target. Celebrating your progress all along the way is another powerful way to encourage steadfastness.
This article breaks down some of the biggest, most popular goals and gives inspirational Bible verses to help spur you on in the transformation process. The list of 35 ideas is organized into four categories of resolutions:
Two of the biggest factors contributing to physical health are fitness and nutrition. Annually, gym memberships show a steep uptick in January, only to drop off significantly by month's end2. It is a pattern demonstrating the difficulty people experience in staying committed to this top category of new year's resolutions. In fact, it is so common that it's been given a day! January 17th is Ditch New Year's Resolution Day3. Interestingly, it is often "celebrated" (more like given into) by consuming fast food.
It's time for a reboot on the traditional approach to fitness and nutrition. If you have selected either of these as your goal, break it down by focusing on one of the steps below that will get you moving in the right direction.
Related Articles: 1-Month Bible Reading Plan on Fitness & 1-Month Bible Reading Plan on Nutrition
#1 Enjoying Nature - Exercise doesn't have to be drudgery; it can be fun! By expanding your definition of exercise to include activities you enjoy, you will experience greater success...and even pleasure! Think about some of your favorite pastimes that get your body moving. Whether it is gardening, walking at sunset, hiking, bird-watching treks, snowshoeing, swimming, or running with your dog…get out and breathe in some fresh air as you enjoy God' creation.
"Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice;
let the sea roar, and all that fills it;
let the field exult, and everything in it!
Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy." - Psalm 96:11-12, ESV
#2 Exercising with a Friend - How about combining your fitness goals with relationship building? Two birds with one stone, right? Not only that, but exercising with a partner provides motivation that will lead to more success.
"Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another." - Proverbs 27:17, ESV
#3 Letting Go of Body Image Hang Ups - In a culture that has a seemingly insatiable appetite for physical beauty and sexual gratification, the trap of idolizing the body can sneakily ensnare most anyone. By hanging up your ear pods, meditating on uplifting Bible passages that focus on your identity in Christ, and praying while exercising, you can be set free from this destructive hang up.
"For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well." - Psalm 139:13-14, ESV
#4 Enjoying Food - Research shows that enjoying food increases nutrient absorption and improves self-regulation4. By giving yourself freedom to enjoy what God gives you, you can learn to eat intuitively5 rather than being controlled by rigid eating plans.
He gives food to every living thing.
His faithful love endures forever." - Psalm 136:25, NLT
#5 Drinking Water - Did you know that it is common to misinterpret thirst for hunger6 ? With 75% of Americans being dehydrated7, it's no surprise that overconsumption of calories is so prevalent. But, before you go rushing out to buy one of those 1-gallon water bottles with motivational words to help you keep drinking, it's important to be aware that overhydration8 is dangerous - even deadly in some cases. Understand that many of the foods you eat provide hydration that helps meet your daily intake needs.
"Behold, I will stand before you there on the rock at Horeb, and you shall strike the rock, and water shall come out of it, and the people will drink...” - Exodus 17:6, ESV
#6 Trying New Foods - Expanding your menu has many benefits. It's fun, adventurous, and exciting. It will not only help you enjoy your food more, but will boost your mood...and this, in turn, will reduce emotional eating. Variety also gives your body an opportunity to get much needed nutrients that may be missing from your diet.
"And the day after the Passover, on that very day, they ate of the produce of the land, unleavened cakes and parched grain." - Joshua 5:11, ESV
#7 Reading about Nutrition - Without putting any pressure on yourself to make immediate changes in your eating, choose a nutrition book, magazine, or website to start reading. Resources that teach about nutrition are at our fingertips. Remember, there's one book that provides guidance you may have overlooked: the Bible. God gave dietary laws to ancient Hebrews for their physical wellbeing, devotion to God, and community cohesiveness. Though Christians today do not need to follow these Levitical laws, understanding the spirit behind God's instructions can help you keep food in its proper place of priority in your life.
"Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the king's food, or with the wine that he drank. Therefore he asked the chief of the eunuchs to allow him not to defile himself." - Daniel 1:8, ESV
#8 Eating with People - By slowing down and enjoying a meal with family or friends, you can nourish not only your body but also your heart. Additionally, it provides a great opportunity to find a motivational partner to help you stay on track in pursuing your nutrition goals with one another.
"And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers." - Acts 2:42, ESV
The average adult needs 7-9 hours of sleep9. A large number of Americans are sleep deprived while 5% sleep too much10. Inadequate sleep affects many things, including functional intelligence, emotional stability, and weight control11, while the impact of excess can consist of relationship issues and reduced performance of bodily systems10. But, shut-eye isn't sufficient for meeting all your needs; rest and recreation are important too. Combining all three will help you thrive as you take regular breaks to relax and have fun, because it gives what is needed for you to experience well-rounded development, replenishment, and mind and body repair.
Related Articles: 1-Month Bible Reading Plan on Sleep/Rest & 1-Month Bible Reading Plan on Recreation
#9 Practicing Good Sleep Hygiene - Spend some time coming up with a bedtime routine that fits you. Some ideas may include: choosing a time to stop using electronics, having a cup of decaffeinated tea, reading, taking a short walk, putting work away, and putting on sleepwear and brushing your teeth before relaxing. Habits take a while to change, so be patient with yourself as you begin practicing your routine. Tell the people in your life so they can respect your boundaries and support your efforts.
"One day he got into a boat with his disciples, and he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side of the lake.” So they set out, and as they sailed he fell asleep..." - Luke 8:22-23, ESV
#10 Practicing Trusting God while You Sleep - God is still at work when you are sleeping. If you are seeking direction, peace, or emotional healing, you might consider praying as I do before going to sleep, saying: "God, please heal all the broken places in my mind and heart - those I see and those I don’t. Help me to know and follow your ways. Help me rest in you."
"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
He restores my soul..." - Psalm 23:1-3, ESV
#11 Giving Yourself Permission to Rest - Do you feel guilty resting? Did you know that, as a gift, God gave us the commandment to rest? Even God rested!
"Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. And on the seventh day God finished his work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all his work that he had done... - Genesis 2:1-2, ESV
#12 Not Resting Too Much - Getting too much downtime can cause feelings of purposelessness, insignificance, and melancholy12. Seek God's clarity for why you are idle and what to do about it. Ask him for encouragement, motivation, and to show you how to get involved in the lives of others; this may be through things like volunteering, pursuing a goal, or engaging in a hobby.
"And he came and found them sleeping, and he said to Peter, “Simon, are you asleep? Could you not watch one hour? Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” - Matthew 14:38, ESV
#13 Enjoying Hobbies - What are your pastimes? If it’s hard to name your hobbies or interests, think back to how you played as a child. Refreshment and renewal are received through play. Engaging in pastimes helps you become more well-rounded and get in touch with the full spectrum of how God made you. Without any intentional effort, it helps free your mind of worries, teaches you about yourself, gives you ways of relating to others, and improves many of your skills…and it’s just plain fun!
"...I came that they may have life and have it abundantly." - John 10:10, ESV
Relational connectivity is meant to be deep, mutually satisfying, and supportive. God sent His Son, Jesus Christ so you can be forgiven and reconciled to God. Scripture and the Holy Spirit teach how to have healthy relationships with one another. The Lord intends for you to be close to Him and others. Loving God and people are the two greatest commandments (Mt. 12:30-31). The reslolutions below focus on growing closer to God and building strong relationships with people. This area of life is the foundation upon which all the other resolutions are achieved.
Related Articles: 1-Month Bible Reading Plan on Faith & 1-Month Bible Reading Plan on Relationships
#14 Getting to know Jesus - Jesus is the Son of God, the promised Messiah sent to die for our sins so everyone who believes can be forgiven and reconciled to God. Praying to Jesus and becoming more acquainted with His character will help you grow closer to Him, have a greater sense of security, and experience the abundant life He promises. In addition to praying, read the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.
"And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent." - John 17:3, ESV
#15 Writing to God in a Journal - Using pen and paper to converse with God is a powerful way to process your emotions, gain clarity, find peace, and grow closer to God through slowing down so you can hear Him, expressing gratitude, and recognizing how He is guiding you. Interestingly, science has shown that the physical act of writing increases internal processing, learning, and memory13. If you've never tried journaling, you will probably be surprised at the benefits.
"I will remember the deeds of the Lord;
yes, I will remember your wonders of old.
I will ponder all your work,
and meditate on your mighty deeds." - Psalm 77:11-12, ESV
#16 Practicing Daily Confession - When it comes to relationships and inner peace, nothing can take the place of confession. Everyone sins; and unless sin is confessed, it remains in the heart, wreaking havoc in every area of life. Because Jesus took our sins upon Himself and paid our penalty when He was crucified, we can be forgiven. By asking God to search your heart and mind each day, you can be made white as snow (Is. 1:18) rather than carry around the inner suffering that accompanies sin.
"Search me, O God, and know my heart!
Try me and know my thoughts!
And see if there be any grievous way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting!" - Psalm 139:23-24, ESV
#17 Reading the Bible - Many times, people try reading the Bible in the same way as most other books - beginning on page one with the intent of reading straight through to the end. While it is worthwhile to read the entire Bible, doing so as a novice often doesn't work well. It can be more meaningful to choose Scriptures that speak directly to your life's circumstances. To help you pick a place to start, here's a sneak peak at some of the Books of the Bible:
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." - John 1:1, ESV
#18 Reading the same Bible Verse(s) throughout the Year - This is my new year's resolution. The verse I've chosen is Proverbs 3:5-8 which focuses on trusting and obeying God. Obedience is trust in action and because I often walk in fear, I can tend to take matters into my own hands rather than walking in obedience. By reciting a Bible verse, God will minister to you, bring healing and wisdom, and transform every area of your life.
"So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth;
it shall not return to me empty,
but it shall accomplish that which I purpose,
and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it." - Isaiah 55:11, ESV
#19 Fasting & Praying - Fasting brings closeness to God by increasing focus on Him. Additionally, if you are seeking guidance on a decision, turning to Him in your need, and with humility, will help you receive clarity. By temporarily giving up something, it provides a reminder to turn to God whenever a desire for the sacrificed item arises.
"So we fasted and implored our God for this, and he listened to our entreaty." - Ezra 8:23, ESV
#20 Meditating on Scriptures - Through meditation, God's Word will have greater impact in your life and you will be better able to hear Him. It will allow you to experience deep connection, joy, and fullness of the Holy Spirit, bringing along with it the fruits of the Spirit - love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Gal. 5:22-23). Before meditating, it is essential to understand that Godly meditation is about filling your mind with the Word of God, while the pagan form is about emptying your mind, which Scripture warns leads to becoming filled with wicked spirits (Lk. 11:24:26).
"Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful." - Joshua 1:8, ESV
#21 Listening to Worship Music - This may take some getting used to if you typically listen to secular music. It is worth the effort. Music has a way of reaching deep into the mind, heart, and soul. Whatever your favorite genre, you are likely to find Chritian music of the same type.
"Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth;
break forth into joyous song and sing praises!" - Psalm 98:4, ESV
#22 Telling Others About Jesus - Most Christians have trouble witnessing to unbelievers due to feeling unsure how to or being afraid of rejection. Everyone needs to know that they are loved; and whether or not they understand right now, love begins with God. As a Christian, you have the privilege of demonstrating God's love to unbelievers and conveying how their sins can be forgiven, bringing reconcilitiation to God through Jesus' death and resurrection.
"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." - Matthew 28:19, ESV
#23 Praying Regularly for One or Two People for their Salvation - Prayer is a powerful evangelistic tool. It will soften your heart and give you wisdom in know how to share Christ with the people you've chosen. It will also move God to reveal Himself to him or her (remember, though, that even when God shows Himself, each person makes a choice to accept or reject Him). I want to encourage you, too, to offer prayer when someone shares a need.
"I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people...This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth." - 1 Timothy 2:1-4, ESV
#24 Spending Time with Your Spouse, Children, Siblings, and/or Parents - Nothing can take the place of spending quality time together; relationships depend on it. In the busyness of life, it is easy to neglect each other. Doing a hobby together is a wonderful way to enjoy each other's company. If your schedule is packed and you don't know how to change that right now, pick one of your regular chores to do together, like exercising, housework, walking your dog, cooking, shopping, or laundry.
"And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers." - Acts 2:42, ESV
#25 Starting Marriage or Family Counseling or Classes - Marriages and families can be messy. If you're experiencing relational brokenness, counseling and classes can help. Whether you attend as an individual, couple, or family, you will learn and grow. If you decide to take this step, I highly recommend choosing a Christian option since their foundation is in God's ways instead of the world's broken ways. Ask at your church if there is pastoral counseling or classes.
"So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift." - Matthew 5:23-24, ESV
#26 Praying for your Family - God is your constant source of guidance in this important area of life. Without God’s wisdom, it is easy to fall into harmful attitudes and behaviors, like bitterness, revenge, selfishness, and rejection; and this will result in feelings of emptiness and loneliness for you and your loved ones. Through prayer, you can give the Lord your worries, receive wisdom, and get strength to love unconditionally and actively.
"Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working." - James 5:16, ESV
#27 Spending Time with the Family of God - As Christians, we are the family of God. Believers are meant to support, encourage, love, correct, and inspire one another. As you spend time with other Christians, remember that relationships take time and involve conflicts. Working through things together, with the help of God, will help you feel even more like family.
"And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith." - Galatians 6:9-10, ESV
Work takes up a large portion of the day. Many of us can struggle at times in setting healthy boundaries and can end up either working too much or too little. Part of this may be due to connecting one's personal sense of identity to career or wealth. God teaches about these dynamic and multifaceted subjects and wants our knowledge to broaden, insight to mature, wisdom to expand, and sense of security to be grounded in Him.
Related Articles: 1-Month Bible Reading Plan on Work & 1-Month Bible Reading Plan on Finances
#28 Working More - Work is a gift from God and being too idle will keep you from thriving. God cares what you do with your time and talents. Pray and read God's Word to receive His guidance, encouragement, and wisdom in balancing, prioritizing, and enjoying all the work involved in your day.
"For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, because we were not idle when we were with you, nor did we eat anyone's bread without paying for it, but with toil and labor we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you." - 2 Thessalonians 3:7-8, ESV
#29 Working Less - Many factors go into a person’s decisions regarding how much time and attention to spend working, including financial goals, titles, or perfectionism. Whether or not your worklife is properly prioritized, or your boundaries are aligned in defining where your personal responsibility begins and ends, God's Word gives insight on what balance looks like. Through prayer, Bible reading, attending church services, and asking a loved one for help, God can give you wisdom and fortitude to align your priorities with His direction.
“Six days you shall do your work, but on the seventh day you shall rest; that your ox and your donkey may have rest, and the son of your servant woman, and the alien, may be refreshed." - Exodus 23:12, ESV
#30 Volunteering - Serving others will allow you to live out your faith, build relationships, discover personal strengths, and find things you enjoy. The Bible teaches that each person is uniquely and perfectly created to do the good works He prepared (Eph. 2:10). You are intended to make a positive difference in this world; what you have to offer cannot be replaced by anyone else.
"And the keeper of the prison put Joseph in charge of all the prisoners who were in the prison. Whatever was done there, he was the one who did it." - Genesis 39:22, ESV
#31 Exploring Job Opportunities & Writing a Resume - God cares about your dreams and ambitions. Whether you think your job is important or unimportant, He wants you to feel fulfilled in the work you do. The Lord knows what you are designed to do and how you can be pleased in your work. If you're out of work or would prefer a different job, writing or rewriting your resume is an important step. This is easier for some than others. If you're discouraged, unmotivated, too busy, or unclear how to write a resume, pray for direction, ask someone for help, and find a helpful template online or in a job-hunting book.
"Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” - Deuteronomy 31:6, ESV
#32 Saving Money - Whatever the amount, saving is a valuable life discipline, not just for building funds but, more importantly, to foster self-control as you choose to say "no" to temporary desires in order to say "yes" to wise planning. Start by choosing a small amount that would be relatively easy to set aside on each payday. Over time, your nest egg will grow and so will your motivation.
"Precious treasure and oil are in a wise man's dwelling,
but a foolish man devours it." - Proverbs 21:20, ESV
#33 Paying Down Debt - The vast majority of Americans have debt; and only 11% report feeling financial freedom14. By paying more than the monthly minimum due and paying off the debt carrying the highest interest rate, you can make huge strides in achieving financial freedom15. If you're unsure how to begin, ask at your church for recommendations on classes, books, or a financial planner.
"Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed." - Romans 13:7, ESV
#34 Exploring Your Feelings & Thoughts about Money - However much money you have, you can feel rich or poor, and much of this is affected by messages you received about finances while growing up. Maybe a parent worried about money, or made the acquisition of wealth their biggest goal in life. Take time this year to think and pray about your inner thoughts, feelings, and experiences with money.
"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." - Matthew 6:21, ESV
#35 Giving & Tithing - God instructs believers to give back to Him so money will not become an idol - money is a terrible god! In fact, a life centered around wealth will bring inner misery and broken relationships. Christians are not to let possessions control them, therefore, it is out of love that God tells us to give tithes and offerings. However much you currently give, take a step by increasing it even by a tad. God doesn't need your money; He wants your heart. Ask Him to show you what to give and wait for Him to fill your heart.
"Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need." - Malachi 3:10, ESV
God loves you more than you can imagine and He cares about every detail of your life. This year, consider choosing an area of growth that will enhance your relationship with God, others, and yourself. Whether your resolution deals with Fitness & Nutrition, Sleep, Rest & Recreation, Relationships with God & Others, or Work & Finances, these articles will help you take your next step.
Are you looking for a church in the Concord, NH area? We invite you to check us out! Grace Capital Church is located at 542 Pembroke Street in Pembroke, NH.
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