2017 is almost here, and it is time for you to make your New Year’s resolution. All throughout January you always remain determined to achieve your goal, but you gradually become less motivated as February approaches. If you desire to break this cycle this year, here are five ways to finally maintain your new year’s resolution.
There is an old saying that if you do the same thing for twenty one days, it will become a habit. If your New Year’s goal is to read the Bible, pray, go to church, or workout more, start doing that activity consistently and on a regular basis. Soon it will become something ingrained in your routine that you do naturally. You will have formed a good habit.
For your New Year’s resolution you may have decided to give up an old bad habit instead of trying to cultivate a new good one. Maybe you resolved to gossip less or stop overspending money on things you want but don’t need. If you are struggling to not sin, pray daily. Remember that “no temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind” (1 Corinthians 10:13). God is faithful and will help you choose not to sin.
One way to rid yourself of a bad habit, besides asking God for help, is by removing temptations from your life. If your goal is to drink less alcohol, remove all the tequila, vodka, or wine from your apartment. If you desire to spend less time on your phone and more time actively conversing with those around you, put your cell phone on airplane mode when you are with friends.
While investing in your relationships, you can ask a friend to keep you accountable as you strive to maintain your New Year’s resolution. If your goal is to read your Bible more or have a daily quiet time, let your friend know your plan. Ask her to regularly pray for you and question you about your progress. Be open with her about your struggles. If you are not being honest with her about your New Year’s resolution, it is difficult to be honest with yourself and change your behavior.
The friend you ask to keep you accountable could be trying to break or form the same habit as you. You have found someone to walk alongside you. Try to maintain the same New Year’s resolution together. If you both want to work out more, run together regularly. If you desire to eat healthier, cook for and eat with each other weekly. It is easier to maintain your goal by working together. “Two are better than one. If either one of them falls down, one can help the other up.” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10)
By taking one or all of these five steps, you will be more likely to maintain your New Year’s resolution. You will also probably grow closer to God. As Christians we are called to pursue personal growth and “not be conformed any longer to the pattern of this world” (Romans 12:2). As we become more like Christ, our thoughts and goals will align with his. We will be able to love and live with purpose.
