Are you one who makes resolutions year after year, remaining steadfast until about January 15th, and by the time February rolls around you don't even remember what the resolution was? *hand raise*
If you raised your hand, too, no shame.
What if we take a different approach this year?
If you raised your hand, too, no shame.
What if we take a different approach this year?
Have you ever considered the power of setting goals instead?
As we step into the possibilities of 2024, it's the perfect time to reflect on the journey ahead and set our sights on personal growth and real, sustainable achievement.
Let's take a minute to delve into the distinction between resolutions and goals to help you make the most out of the coming year:
Resolutions: Resolutions are often vague and open-ended, lacking a clear roadmap. For example, phrases like "exercise more" or "eat healthier" sound great, but without a detailed plan, they can be challenging to achieve.
Goals: Goals, on the other hand, are specific, measurable, and time-bound. They provide a structured framework for success. Instead of a broad resolution, setting a goal like "run a 5K in under 30 minutes by June" gives you a clear target and a deadline, making it more achievable and motivating.
Why Goals Matter:
- Clarity: Goals provide a clear direction, helping you stay focused on what you want to accomplish.
- Measurability: With goals, you can track your progress, celebrating small victories along the way.
- Motivation: Achieving specific goals boosts your confidence and encourages you to aim higher.
How to Set Effective Goals:
- Be Specific: Clearly define what you want to achieve.
- Make it Measurable: Set benchmarks to track your progress.
- Set Realistic Goals: Be ambitious but ensure your goals are achievable.
- Time-Bound: Establish a deadline to create a sense of urgency.
This year, let's challenge ourselves to move beyond resolutions and embrace the power of well-defined goals. Whether it's personal development, health and fitness, or professional growth, setting clear objectives will set you on a path to success.
Take some time to really ponder this and set at least one goal for 2024 (more if you dare!).
I would love for you to comment below and share so we can embark on this journey together and I know how to best serve you in the future.
Wishing you a year filled with growth, success, and accomplishment!
Most people would for sure answer 'no' to this question.
No one wants to fail.
But how many people actually get it right every single time. No one.
Maybe it's time for a little perspective shift on failure.
Read more...
The infamous Jeremiah 29:11.
A verse printed on plaques and shared in times of trouble.
This is not meant to take anything away from what the Lord is trying to say here, but have you ever read the other verses surrounding this one? Yes, this verse is great, and hopeful and encouraging... but before it comes a promise of 70 years of exile in Babylon for the Israelites.
Exile: a situation in which you are forced to leave your country or home and go to live in a foreign country.
Do you realize God spoke these words to the people of Israel as He was sending them out of their homeland because of their sin and disobedience? He knew the plans He had for them were good... but by golly, I bet they didn't feel real good to the Israelites in the moment.
You see, it's easy to quote these verses to make us feel good, but are you ready to trust that God's plans for you are good... no matter what they are or how they actually make you feel?
You see, it's easy to quote these verses to make us feel good, but are you ready to trust that God's plans for you are good... no matter what they are or how they actually make you feel?
When sickness comes, when tragedy strikes, when deep sorrow and heartbreak is felt... will you still hold fast to the promise that God's plans for you are good?
.
.
That is my prayer for you, friend... that you will be able to answer, "Yes!"
You see... we serve a God who is all-knowing, all-seeing, sovereign in all things.
He sees how every single piece of the puzzle that is our life fits together perfectly to create a beautiful masterpiece.
Some of those pieces, when viewed individually, don't appear to measure up. They don't look like they should fit. They are just all wonky.
But when we can allow God to take each of those pieces, and ever so gently and carefully maneuver it into the exact spot where it belongs, the end result is something beautiful.
In the middle of our exile, heartbreak and tragedy, we can rise up and continue to carry on, one foot in front of the next. God told His people that during this time of exile they were to still build, plant, eat, marry, multiply... and not dwindle away! (Jer. 29:4-7)
We can trust that the Lord's plans are always good, while at the same time realizing that what we perceive as good may not line up with the 'good' things the Lord sends our way. Because the trials, tragedies, and exiles of this life are what grow us, and strengthen us, and ultimately all do work together for our good and His glory.
He sees how every single piece of the puzzle that is our life fits together perfectly to create a beautiful masterpiece.
Some of those pieces, when viewed individually, don't appear to measure up. They don't look like they should fit. They are just all wonky.
But when we can allow God to take each of those pieces, and ever so gently and carefully maneuver it into the exact spot where it belongs, the end result is something beautiful.
In the middle of our exile, heartbreak and tragedy, we can rise up and continue to carry on, one foot in front of the next. God told His people that during this time of exile they were to still build, plant, eat, marry, multiply... and not dwindle away! (Jer. 29:4-7)
We can trust that the Lord's plans are always good, while at the same time realizing that what we perceive as good may not line up with the 'good' things the Lord sends our way. Because the trials, tragedies, and exiles of this life are what grow us, and strengthen us, and ultimately all do work together for our good and His glory.
Blessings!
PS: If you would like to be notified via email when there is a new blog post, CLICK HERE to get on my email list!
When you don't know what to do, do what you know.
I coined this phrase a few months back,
when the world as I'd known it
pretty much started to crumble.
I froze.
What on earth could I possibly do at a time like this
that would make any difference?
The 'time like this' can be any situation
you are facing that is new,
scary, crazy,
upside-down, inside-out,
or just downright hard.
Do what you know.
Do what is familiar.
Do what is comfortable.
For me, back then, I made some stuff
I knew people could use and I gave it away.
For me, right now, it's pray.
There are days I don't have words.
I like to think God still hears my silence.
Friend, don't overthink it.
In the midst of your pain,
anger, frustration, resentment,
heartache...
Tonight, just do what you know.
And let God handle the rest.
Until next time... blessings!
"Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all." Psalm 34:19
Hello Friend,
You will never get a second chance to make a first impression....
While that is absolutely true, do you put as much effort into
making sure that your second, third, fourth... impressions
are just as powerful?
Do you ever really stop and think about the impressions
you are leaving on other people?
When someone has an encounter with you,
do they walk away better than when they came?
Mother Teresa said,
"Spread love everywhere you go.
Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier."
I share my thoughts in a bit more detail below,
(fast forward through the first minute to skip the banter, lol)
and I'll be the first to admit, that's a pretty tall order!
Humans by nature are selfish.
We are super quick to point out
how someone else made US feel, aren't we?
But we don't often stop and think on the reverse.
If you want people to leave your presence
feeling just a little happier than when they arrived,
here are a few things to keep in mind.
1. Don't criticize or condemn
2. Give honest and sincere recognition and appreciation
3. Smile
Be mindful of this as you got about your day today,
try implementing one or all of the things above,
and note the response you get from others.
I bet it will not only leave them with a
favorable impression of you,
but it will change your attitude as well. ;)
Until next time... Blessings!
