Dear Dr. B,
Every year I feel so much pressure to come up with New Year’s Resolutions. I want to improve myself and continue growing and changing, but so much pressure is attached to resolutions, and when I break them, I feel like a failure. Do you have any recommendations?
Sincerely,
Resolved to Do Better This Year
Dear Resolved,
People often ask me as a neuropsychologist if I have any tips for making New Year’s resolutions, or making goals for the New Year, as you will.
You know, I’m not a big fan of New Year’s resolutions. I am, however, a fan of setting goals and bettering ourselves.
I’d like to challenge you this year to not think so much about the goals and the resolutions, as much as I’d like to challenge you to be still and to get in God’s presence, rather than focusing on the doing.
I’d like to challenge you more to focus on the being. Be who God wants you to be.
But to do that, you need to be still and to be in God’s presence.
The Bible tells us, “Seek you first the kingdom of God, and THEN all these things will be added unto you.” (Matthew 6:33)
Scripture also tells us, “Those who abide in God’s presence will be kept in the shadow of the Almighty.” (Psalm 91:1)
I think that’s the most important tip I can offer you. When we think about establishing goals or resolutions, our first tip is to seek God first, and to see what He has to say about the matter.
It’s not so much about setting the goals as it is about determining what God wants us to do. So as you think about the New Year and what it holds for you, think first about what God wants you to do, or who HE wants you to be.
So be still, be in His presence, and be firmly planted in Him. Seek first HIS kingdom, and THEN all these things will be added unto you.
I pray that you will have a very blessed New Year.
Hope Prevails,
DrB
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Sweet friend, this ties right in to what God has been speaking to my heart. It’s like a a big AMEN. You encouraged me so much today. Hugs
Lyli, that brings great JOY to my heart. I love when God does that. He is so faithful. And your faithful obedience inspires me. Because of Him, #HopePrevails!
Oh, Michelle, I love this! I am a big fan of setting goals, too, though as you say, not necessarily on that one specific day of the year! I’ve been taking a Bible study class, and we learned something that ties in so well with what you are saying. That is that it’s only what God wants ME to do that can be a legitimate goal for me. If it involves anyone else, my goal can–and will–be blocked by those others. Since blocked goals can have unhealthy consequences, as I am sure you would agree, then the healthy thing is to only set those goals that God has for me personally. You spoke so well about how to get before our Father and seek Him first for our goals!
Michelle, Great advice for each of us. Thank you so much! I set goals, but working on The Faith Project will keep me still and digging deep into His presence and love. Blessings to you!
I love your advice here. So often we make resolutions but we don’t even ask God what He wants. My one word this year is open, because I want to be open to all He has for me. I’m visiting from Tai’s linkup.
Seeking what God wants us to do. My goal! You worded it perfectly!