January 23, 2022.
I have a confession. Every time the new year roles around, I find myself setting the same goals and making the same promises. Exercise more, eat healthy, finish writing that book. After chatting with a few of my girlfriends, I realize that I am not alone. Many of us struggle year after year with accomplishing the same goals. We seek new and improved ways to help us lose that belly fat, to let go of that bad habit, take a leap of faith, or read the bible more.
Just recently, I came across an article suggesting only 8% of people actually achieve their goals. I thought to myself, “Well that is downright ludicrous.” But why is this? Why are so many people struggling with fulfilling their goals?
For many, it can be very difficult to deal with those things we tend to tuck away in the corner, hide under the bed, or stuff in a junk drawer so others don’t see what we see. Even though some things may appear out of sight, they have not gone away, which is why when the new year roles around, the same issues are staring us in the face whispering, “I’m still here.”
This year I have decided I am waking up. I am breaking cycles and crushing goals. I am opening my eyes and giving attention to what needs my attention. This year I will not be focusing on what I want to accomplish. Instead, I will be targeting and eliminating junk. I will be cleaning my house of those things that keep me from fulfilling my goals year after year.
I’ve decided to wake up and to clean up! Instead of setting a goal to exercise more, I am devoting myself to playing less games on my phone because it only prevents me from doing what I should be doing. Instead of promising myself to finish writing my book, I am saying “No” to those things that will potentially crowd my day. Instead of failing at trust goals, I am intentionally praying and allowing God to work out the “behind that curtain” details that I have struggled with in the past. I am agreeing to live in the moment, to enjoy each moment, because next year will be here sooner than I expect, and I don’t want to miss the small progress that I can enjoy today.
Please don’t misunderstand what I am saying. I will be the first to admit that setting goals are great, but if you tend to have the same goals every new year, it may be time to evaluate if doing something different is more beneficial.
Maybe someone lacks the motivation to get going. Some may feel overwhelmed by the task at hand. Others may just be grateful that they are not where they used to be, even if their goal was not fully accomplished. I believe we all need a push every once in a while. So if you feel the same, and you’re waiting for that alarming sound of motivation, here goes….
GIRL, WAKE UP!!!
Stop snoozing through life. Stop dreaming of what you want to accomplish. Stop making promises and setting the same goals year after year. Commit to doing something different. Commit to cleaning your house. You can do this! You were created to be Victorious! You are more than capable of fulfilling your goals! Stop stepping over the trash (those issues that keep causing you to stumble) and commit to cleaning it up. I am literally preaching to myself ladies. Make a list of anything preventing you from achieving your goals or your dreams:
Procrastination
Busyness
Tiredness
Lack of Commitment
Perfectionism
Money
Sweets
TV/Social Media
Focus on cleaning your house. Say “No” to the unnecessary tasks that have the potential to steal your time. Leave the sweets in the store. Turn the TV off. Fast from social media. Delete the food-delivery app that is bringing that unhealthy food to your door. Get 8 hours of sleep. Apply for that higher-paying job. Refuse to take work home with you; it will be there tomorrow. Ephesians 5:14-16 tells us, “Wake up from your sleep, climb out of your coffins; Christ will show you the light! So watch your step. Use your head. Make the most of every chance you get.”
Every day, decide to eliminate the junk that causes you to sleep, that causes you to close your eyes to those issues that continue to stare you in the face and steal your progress. As you commit to cleaning your house, you simultaneously commit to fulfilling your dreams. Start this year differently, not with last years goals, but with a new perspective, a new plan, and a new awakening. Today is your day. You can do this.
Girl, Wake Up!