It is still mid-December but personally I have found it helpful to begin the reflective goal-setting process several weeks in advance (honestly this is probably a little late).
There are a few different ways to structure “New Year’s resolutions.”
A friend of mine structures his goals in the following matter. Faith, Family, Friends, Finance, Fitness, and, in my case, I add Sycomore. I have found this to be a very helpful framework.
Occasionally people will simplify the year down to a single word or a few words. I did this a couple of years ago and have started considering it for next year. The words Simplify, Redeem, and Balance are all words I am considering.
It may be helpful to think about habits that you are hoping to form and then make goals that move you toward those habits. Quick note- especially if you are trying to form a habit shorten the time horizon. For example, I personally do much better with take my wife on a date each month than take my wife on 12 dates next year.
There are a few reasons that I am bringing up New Year’s Resolutions now.
What I have found is that my mind keeps working on my goals as time goes along. Therefore, it gives me the opportunity to continue praying about them and reflecting on them before the year starts.
Thinking through these resolutions now gives you time to practice and make adjustments prior to the start of the year.
Finally, starting this process now allows you to talk to others and get advice. For example, in 2022 my initial goal was to run three 5ks. My wife suggested running four 5ks (one each season). This kept me running throughout the year and shortened the time horizon. As I was writing this, I realized she also expanded my fitness goal for 2023... interesting. You can also talk to people who are good at whatever habit you are trying to form.
I would encourage you to make this a prayer-filled and reflective process. Through prayer and reflection you can identify goals/habits for the next year.
Go to a park alone and just pray/journal.
I have found it helpful to flip through the pictures I have taken on my phone for the past year.
John Maxwell talks about looking over his calendar to see where time was spent.
My encouragement is to pause and reflect on the last year and start thinking about/writing out habits or goals for the next year. I believe starting now will give you much greater success than starting New Year’s Eve.
Advent - Peace
John 14:27 - “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your heart be troubled and do not be afraid.” NIV
Most people have heard of a 401(k) and 403(b). Some of you might also have the option to contribute to a 457. The interesting thing about a 457 is that it is possible to defer the maximum to a 457 AND either a 401(k) or 403(b).
Thank you for reading!
Images from Pexels: photographer Breakingpic.