The beginning of the new year is a fresh start...a new leaf...a second chance for success. In order to experience refreshment and renewal in January, we have to take the time in December to reflect, organize, and set goals inside each "room" of our house.
1. Reflect. Look back over 2015. Make a list of worked and what did not. Read through old journals...look through your planner...scroll through past Facebook posts...flip through old pictures...recall your favorite memories...take a peak at last year's resolution. How did you do? Anything you want to try again? Here are some specific question to ask yourself:
My Gym:
How has my strength/body/exercise routine improved this year?
In what areas of physical health can I push myself further?
My Kitchen:
What was my favorite meal or kitchen memory I made this year?
What food does my body need less of this year (dairy, bread, meat, sugar ect.)?
My Bathroom:
What were my favorite beauty products this year?
What healthy habits do I need to pick up again (flossing, morning face wash, lighter makeup ect.)?
My Library:
What was your favorite book you read this year?
What type of genre would you like to explore (fiction, nonfiction, fantasy, mystery, historical, spiritual growth ect.)?
My Closet:
What is your style (hipster, princess, edgy, sports, casual, professional, trendy ect)?
Look through old photos...which outfits do you still love and would still wear?
My Bedroom:
What is your favorite spot in your room?
What relationships have you neglected or abused this year (parent, sibling, high school bestie, boss, professor, spouse ect).
What new friends have you made this year?
My Study:
What was my biggest academic or professional accomplishment this year?
In what ways can I specifically improve my academic/professional performance, relationships, and work ethic?
My Quiet Place:
What is the biggest thing God taught you this year?
How has God blessed me this year?
In what hard situations did God prove Himself faithful?
How can I re-organize my schedule to spend more time with God?
My Media Room:
What was my favorite 2016 movie and song?
How much time do I spend on Social Media a day?
How can I use media (music, social media, apps ect.) to worship or point others to Christ?
2. Organize. Now that you have analyzed the rooms in your life, it is time to clean them. By the end of the year, our health, relationships, jobs, homes, drawers, quiet times, bank accounts, and minds are probably looking a bit messy. Make a list of just one or two tasks you want to complete in each "room" of your life. These tasks can be projects you have been putting off, important things you have neglected, or fun things you miss doing! Here are some examples:
My Gym:
Find 3 at home work out plans on Pinterest to complete 3 times a week.
Throw away unnecessary or unused kitchen tools, food products, and cook books.
Create a meal plan for the new year! Select healthy items you have never tried.
Learn how to cook something new (or learn how to cook period).
Clean out all empty and old products in your medicine cabinet.
Scrub and organize shower (and when you are done, reward yourself with a nice clean soak under a mountain of bubbles).
Organize your bookshelf in rainbow order.
Make a list of all the books you want to read in 2016.
Try on every top and pant (preferably with friends for feedback). Give away every outfit that does not fit or flatter your body.
Organize your dresser, jewelry box, and night stand. Throw away junk and give away items you do not love or need.
Declutter and organize your desk, including shelves and drawers.
Buy new "school supplies" to create a productive and motivating atmosphere.
Pick up a new devotional or reading plan for the new year.
Grab a new journal for a clean slate!
Delete unused apps on your iPhone. Pick a new wallpaper why you are at it!
Create space on your laptop's hard drive by deleting unnecessary files. This may include cleaning/organizing your desktop as well!
3. Set Goals. Once you have checked off a few items on your list, your mind and surroundings will become a little more organized. Now you can begin that New Year's resolution. Set just one or two goals for your newly cleaned rooms to prevent them from cluttering again! Here a few ideas to get you going:
My Gym:
Work out 3 times a week (Monday: Cardio, Tuesday: Abs, Thursday: Legs/Cardio).
Make exercise enjoyable! Find a work out buddy for motivation and fun!
Bake something for the neighbors or friend in need.
Cook up something new once a month.
Purchase 2 new beauty products you have always wanted to try!
Get out of your comfort zone. Read at least one book in a genre you have never explored.
Be minimalistic. Only buy items you absolutely need or love (aka: do not buy another pair of boots, you already have 5 pairs!).
Rearrange the pieces you already own to create new outfits!
Read and write more, Netflix less! At the end of the day, it is tempting to turn our mind off for a while with some Gilmore Girls. But although it requires a little more thinking, reading and writing will not only relax you, but make you feel more productive. Add some purpose to your leisure!
Select a role model in your professional or academic life. What do you like about them? How do they get the job done? What motivates them? Make a list of what inspires you to succeed and make sure you engage in each one daily!
Pray more! Spend at least 10 minutes in prayer a day. Write down prayers and make a Prayer Request list that includes people you are not close to (leaders, government, coworkers, classmates, pastors ect.)
Read spiritual growth books along with fiction. Make sure you have a healthy balance of both.
Spend a day counting how long you spend on Social Media. Adjust your schedule accordingly. Select a specific time in the day for "Social Media time". Make sure you do not use it in the middle of conversation (rude!), in bed, or during times of productivity (quiet time, studying, work, cleaning ect.)
Remember, no amount of checked boxes, organized closets, or diet plans will fill that void in your heart.
Our insecurities will not suddenly disappear with a workout schedule. Our need for order will not go away with a tidy junk drawer. Our desire to feel good about ourselves will not be fulfilled with longer prayers, a new wardrobe, or more work hours. Check your heart. Get to the root of your resolution. Ask God what he wants to teach you through your goals. Your 2016 aspirations should inspire you to grow closer to the Lord not to impress yourself or others.
God wants us to set goals and improve our habits. He encourages us to live godly and disciplined lives in Him. But we cannot do it on our own. Resolutions cannot save us, only God can! So do not forget to include God in your new year reflections, organization, and goals. Apart from Him, we can do nothing.
Let your resolution be a means to grow not control.
Our insecurities will not suddenly disappear with a workout schedule. Our need for order will not go away with a tidy junk drawer. Our desire to feel good about ourselves will not be fulfilled with longer prayers, a new wardrobe, or more work hours. Check your heart. Get to the root of your resolution. Ask God what he wants to teach you through your goals. Your 2016 aspirations should inspire you to grow closer to the Lord not to impress yourself or others.
God wants us to set goals and improve our habits. He encourages us to live godly and disciplined lives in Him. But we cannot do it on our own. Resolutions cannot save us, only God can! So do not forget to include God in your new year reflections, organization, and goals. Apart from Him, we can do nothing.
Let your resolution be a means to grow not control.
I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:5
***Check out last year's post for 6 Ways to Maintain Your New Year's Resolution
☎︎
The Girl Next Door
No comments:
Post a Comment