At
the end of each year, many of us take the time to look at the coming year to think
about the possibilities waiting in the future. Although looking at the New
Year, we are tempted to look through glasses of the past and therefore, make it
difficult to see clearly into the future. This can be both healthy and
unhealthy. It is so easy for us to enter a new year with the attitude of “just
another of the same old thing.” It doesn’t have to be the same ole, same ole.
Here are some simple things that is worthy of consideration as we start the
journey.
- Re-focus on the meaning of “commitment.” This is a word that should be studied and made a part of one’s nature and behavior patterns. A commitment should be strong enough that there is no alternate course to take. One describing the meaning of the word commitment used the illustration of the pilot that heads down the runway and when the wheels have left the ground, one could hear the pilot say, “I’m committed.” At that time there’s no turning back; it upward bound.
- Consider establishing some challenging, yet measurable goals. The goals should be long range in nature, but also divided into small increments with specific time factors. One thing to remember that if we set the reviews of the goal to be on a weekly basis, one needs to make sure the goal is reached. If one allows the goal to slip, then there is a strong possibility that the long-range goal will not be met.
- In addition to physical checkups, a mental checkup is in order, especially the area of one’s attitude. An old supervisor once told me that, “attitude really determines ones altitude,” and ultimately determines the height of one’s ambition. If one’s “altitude” is right and the direction of one’s life is consistent with what is right, the sky is the limit.
- Commit to follow the right path forward. Remember; there are no shortcuts to a life of success and happiness. It comes from a life of consistency and patience. A business associate once told me that, “Success is really spelled, WORK!”
- Keep our eyes focused on a higher plan than we are now living. With us looking upward, we overlook a lot of the potential obstacles that will try to destroy our commitment. The Apostle Paul wrote, “Summing it all up, friends, I'd say you'll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious — the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies.”[1]
Some things in life take time to achieve.
It seems like we live in a microwave society that wants instant gratification.
I’ve heard the old adage that states, “The more hurried I go the more behind I
get.” Ever been there? Patience is a virtue that is desired and many are too
impatient to wait for it. Slow down and take time to live. Part of a poem written by David Weatherford,
entitled Slow Dance—“You better slow down, don’t dance so fast, time is short, the music
won't last. When you run so fast to get somewhere, you miss half the fun of
getting there. When you worry and hurry through your day, It’s like an unopened
gift, thrown away. Life is not a race, so take it slower, hear the
music before your song is over."
Each
of us is writing a "book," a chapter at a time by the deeds that we
do, by the words that we say; others are reading what we write, whether positive
or negative. So I ask, “What are others saying about the books we are writing?”
Rather
than making New Year’s resolutions, let’s make New Year’s commitments and make
sure that nothing gets in the way. Commitment definitely limits choices because
it is exclusive. Commitment builds faith and develops character. It is a
spiritual discipline requiring time, work and determination."
“I look to the
mountains; where will my help come from? My help will come from the LORD, who made heaven and earth. He will not let you fall; your protector is always awake.”[2]
