Behold, I do a new thing.
Isaiah 43:19
Do you make New Year’s resolutions? Many people don’t bother, knowing their old habits creep back in by February. Yet, as the ball drops at midnight, we can’t escape the appeal of a fresh start. It feels good. And for good reason. It’s the very thing Christ did for us when He died on the cross. He wiped our slate clean with the sacrifice of His blood.
The desire to change is wired within our Godly image. So how do we actually make changes that stick? To begin, forget resolutions altogether. Instead, create a vision and map out goals. Want to learn how? Keep reading.
Why shouldn’t I make New Year’s resolutions?
The Oxford Dictionary defines a resolution as “a firm decision to do or not do something”. Making a decision is just a start and is based on willpower. Willpower can only take to you so far. Life is messy. Unexpected challenges, time constraints, and stress slowly creep into our best intentions. By February, many are back to their old ways with a hefty serving of shame for not keeping up with what we said we’d do.
There is a better way. And it begins with God. God designed us to hold a vision and ultimately walk into it with well-planned goals.
Where there is no vision, people perish.
Proverbs 29:18
What is the difference between a vision and a goal?
Vision and goals are different but equally important. Both are crucial to lasting change. That’s what we’re going for. Not just change, but lasting change. Let’s break down what they are and how to act to make your 2023 a powerful year.
What is vision?
Vision empowers the spirit to make goals a reality.
Tamara Newell
Vision is the overarching holistic picture of your life, given by God. It manifests at the crossroads of your God-given Spirit and your earthly soul and body. Vision fuels the practical steps of reaching a tangible goal. It propels you when you hit a roadblock or become weary.
Looking forward into my 70’s and 80’s I hold a vision for living healthily. I see myself as strong and mobile in this vision, still taking Pilates classes. I’m energetic and able to play with my grandkids and help my children during their busy years of child-rearing. My husband and I are traveling, hiking, and ready for whatever God is calling us to do. While that season is several decades away, I know the choices and lifestyle habits I live with now set me up for walking in that vision. Those choices coincide with goals.
What are goals?
What (Vision) + How (Plan) = Results (Goal Met)
Goals are the specific, planned, tangible steps that walk us through the vision. As Dave Ramsey puts it, “Goals are dreams with boots on”. This is where the rubber hits the road. Action is taken. Sacrifices are made.
How to get started with a New Years vision and goal setting
How do we create a vision? A few things to remember when forming a vision for a healthy life:
- Seek God first. Ask Him to give you the vision.
- Decide what specifically you want to change.
- Write your vision down.
- Reflect on why you want to change this.
Your why must trigger your soul, your pain point. You will have moments when you’re ready to give up. There will be a day your toddler throws themselves on the ground in the store. Your boss bombards you with emails back to back. Someone cuts you off in the parking lot. The stress mounts. Yet, you’ve committed to a fitness plan (like this one!). The kids are in bed and the kitchen is cleaned up. Do you go? Or do you give yourself slack and say you deserve to Netflix and chill? This is where tapping into your God-inspired vision pulls you out of the victim state. You put on sneakers and walk to the car.
Vision ignites passion, propelling you into action.
Tamara Newell
Once you have a compelling vision, take a backward approach to map out goals. You have the end picture in sight. What do you have to do to get there? What do you do each month? Each week? Daily? We’re taking our macro vision picture and making micro steps to get there. Write down the steps you’re going to take to reach your goal.
Tips for success in vision and goal setting in the new year
- Thank God for where you are today.
- Ask God to help you create a vision and goals.
- Keep a journal and write the vision down.
- Break down what you need to do each month, then each week during the year to meet your goal. (This printable will help!)
- Share your vision and goal with a close family member or friend to support you.
- Study the Bible. Fill your mind with the truth of God’s word to overcome unhealthy mindsets and beliefs.
- Revisit your goals and progress quarterly. Make adjustments as needed throughout the year.
The last thing you need to know about making New Year’s resolutions
You can do this! Change is uncomfortable. But nothing is impossible with God. I’d love to hear how you’re dropping new years resolutions and swapping them for a vision and goal. Leave a comment below!
