Letter to the Editor: Judith Niewiadomski
How long do most New Year’s “resolutions” last? Most people make resolutions related to fitness, finances and the like—and many break them within weeks. An Ohio State University survey found that only about 9% of people actually fulfill their resolutions, and 43% of people “expect to give up on the their resolutions by the end of January.” Data in other surveys varied, but there is a sense that New Year’s resolutions often go nowhere.
So, how can we succeed in life and not make resolutions we don’t keep? Goals require thought, planning and commitment. Let’s start the new year with a winning plan.
Put God first. “But seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you. “ (Matthew 6:33) ow can we put God first? First of all, make time to read God’s Word every day. You can do fifteen minutes in the morning to start your day with some energizing, edifying thoughts and promises, and again before bed, melting stress and relaxing in the knowledge that God will help and protect and heal you. Find promises that address your need.
Pray. Be specific and focused. (Philippians 4:6,7) Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. In the original, the word careful means anxious, and prayer carries the meaning of recognizing God’s infinitely diversified and unlimited ability. Supplication focuses on your need, and requests means to request a specific thing. Focus clearly like a photographer with a camera on the what, but leave the how up to the omniscient God who knows the behind the scenes and bumps in the path ahead.
Use post-its and memory cards. Make notes of verses and quotes that inspire you, of small things you can do each ay.
Now that you have connected with a Partner Who is always available to you and never fails, set your goals. They could be long term or short term. Sometimes you need to take things one day at a time. Don’t be discouraged. Recognize that no one is perfect and when you fall, pick yourself up and keep on moving. Success is built by small steps over a period of time, the gradual realization of a worthy goal. God is omniscient and knows of obstacles and dangers that you cannot foresee. Not only is He both willing and able to prepare you for them, He is your biggest cheerleader.
Find a friend to help you. You can pray together, encourage each other on your goals, maybe even work on some of them together. Ecclesiastes 4:9-11 Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up. Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone?”
Share what you have learned and your successes with someone else—that is both giving
and reinforcing. You can help them achieve their goals as well.
(John 10:10) “The thief cometh not but for the steal and to kill and to destroy; I am come that they might have life and that they might have it more abundantly.” Jesus Christ brought this promise—try it out and build a more abundantly and blessed new year.
Judith Niewiadomski, Yonkers
