Knowing this, I always try and craft my resolutions so that I am setting myself up for success. It's worked pretty well I'd say for the last couple of years.
Here are some tips I use to do that:
1. Use specific measurements: Instead of saying "pray more" say "Pray for 20 minutes when I first get up"
2. Check back with your goals monthly or bi-monthly to see how much progress you've made
3. I always pray into the new year, which helps me set my mind straight from the get-go
So let's talk about 2014! I'll start with some of the not as personal goals I had for this last year.
1. Go on an AYC trip
2. Read the Bible all the way through at least once
3. Fast at least one day a week
4. Eliminate "doubt" from my vocabulary
5. Focus on soul winning in public places
6. Don't use unkind words with anybody
I feel that I did really well at eliminating "doubt" from my vocabulary. Obviously, I know I can do better, but this year was a great start. The results of this allowed me to do more in school in terms of leadership as well as be a part of three major ensembles (Philomel, Chapel Choir, and Symphonic Winds) and succeed in all while being a section leader in two of those. I also worked hard because I believed it was possible and was able to travel to Ireland with the Chapel Choir, as well as on an AYC trip (which crossed off number one on my list). Leaving doubt in the dust led me to pursue an opportunity for leadership in music on this AYC trip (more on that in the previous post). I also began teaching lessons on Wednesday nights which is developing me professionally for getting a job next year, which happened because I didn't allow myself to doubt that I could do this on top of all my school work.
Number six could have been worded more effectively. However, I was constantly conscious of how I was speaking with others, and in turn I began thinking more about talking behind the backs of others. There is no place for unkind words in front of or behind the backs of others. This is not indicative of a worshipful lifestyle. I want to continue working on this in the coming year.
So.. now for the unaccomplished.
No I did not read my Bible all the way through this year. I did better than before-getting to May before I got behind. I am working to set smaller goals to help me accomplish this goal once and for all!
No I did not accomplish fasting every week. I need to have a day set aside for that, where every week it's the same day. That way, it will become a way of life.
Alright. Here are my resolutions for 2015:
1. Read my Bible once through at least. I will do this by spending 15 minutes when I first wake up every. single. day. no. excuses.
2. Commit to a morning routine where I wake up early enough 3-4 times a week to workout and spend time with God (every morning)
3. Have a day set aside every week to fast
4. Pursue songwriting once again. God has been prompting me to do this for a while now. I will start by spending 20 minutes a week.
5. Blog at least once a month. When I feel like I can handle more, or that I am well committed to songwriting (my top priority) I will up this one :)
6. Go to Youth Congress 2015 in Oklahoma City this August
7. Stop using the word "fear." Fear has held me back my whole life and I'm ready to say yes to more.
8. Only use the word "awesome" to describe God. It's a powerful word and There are many words to use to describe other things and I want this one to be for God alone.
This is the first time I've told anyone my resolutions, so I'm a bit intimidated! I think I'll end by giving a review of 2014 in photos.