Cliche, or not to be cliche? That is the question. I’m sure that a billion people have posted something about the new year and their resolutions and all of that jazz. I figured, why not me too?

Statistically, most people quit their resolutions by about February, which is pretty sad. So, for those of you out there with your own goals and ideas for this new year, I encourage you to follow through. That’s the most important part.

The first part is coming up with the list, or the one big goal. “Will it get a lot of likes when I post it on social media or will it give me attention?” should not be the thoughts entertained when coming up with fresh goals for the year. You will be better off contemplating, “Will this better me as a person, will this bring me joy, will this serve others, will this give God the glory?” These goals should not be created to solicit attention from others. This year, and every year, your goals and resolutions should help you to grow, to learn and to thrive.

Congratulations! Setting a goal is difficult and here comes an even bigger challenge...Starting. How can anyone expect to achieve something without starting? So, many people have brilliant ideas, plans and thoughts that never come to pass because they think that they lack the courage or the ability to start. You were born with boldness, so don’t hide it. Please, never dim your light for the sake of making someone else squint a little. They will be OK, and so will you. Start your life, and your 2017, the way you want to. This is honestly, probably the hardest part. As a familiar athletics brand reminds us, “Just Do It.”

The last and most important part is following through. Believe it or not, good habits can form just as easily as bad ones if you put the effort in. Be prepared to be a little uncomfortable. My boss told me, "If you don’t wince at least once a day at something, you’re not living your life to the fullest." A New Year's resolution should not merely last a week. The whole idea is for it to last at least a year. You have the capability to do it, the only way you won’t is if you tell yourself otherwise. You might trip up once or twice, and it probably will be a bit difficult from time to time, but as with everything else in this life, I think you should pray before, during and after you set out to do something. I’m willing to bet that through this action of prayer, through really speaking and connecting with Jesus, you’ll find that it is much less difficult to follow through with your resolutions.

If you’re wondering, I have resolutions too. This year I am going to be more subject to changes. This year, I’m going to be kinder and more compassionate. This year I’m going to be bolder and will go to more places. This year I am going to recognize beauty as often as possible. This year I am going to love more and love more boldly. This year I am going to embrace Jesus more.

I’d love to hear your new resolutions, and I know you can accomplish them!

God’s peace ~Jennah