Knowledge Hoop

We are quickly approaching the end of the first week in 2012.  If you haven’t taken the time to write down your goals for the year, it may be time to do a bit of soul searching.  The fact is most people don’t drive their car without a destination in mind, and a plane doesn’t leave the terminal without a flight plan.  If a plan is required for the routine tasks that we perform on a daily basis, how much more important is it for us to have a plan for our lives?  So, if you haven’t taken the time to write down your goals, it’s time to eliminate excuses and get moving.  Included below are some of the common excuses along with the reasons why they are not valid:

Excuse # 1:  I don’t believe in New Year’s Resolutions.

While I agree with you that we shouldn’t wait until the New Year to change something in our lives for the better, the New Year is viewed as a fresh start for many.  When people use this excuse, it is often based in fear; the fear that they may not accomplish their goals.  If you have used this excuse when asked by others about your goals, I urge you to move in spite of the fear and make a commitment to try.

Excuse #2:  I haven’t written down my goals, but I’ve thought about them.

In the Bible, Habakkuk 2:2 states, And the Lord answered me and said, write the vision and make it plain upon tables that he may run that readeth it.  That being said, a goal that isn’t written down is no goal at all.  If you’ve been so busy this week that you’ve not had time to write down your goals, what do you think will happen next week?  Make yourself a priority and take a moment to document at least one goal for the year.  If you’re having a difficult time getting started, consider the following categories:  spiritual, family and personal. 

Whatever you do, don’t waste time comparing yourself to others.  Many times people aren’t successful in achieving their goals because they are busy trying to achieve someone else’s goals.  Make it personal.  God made you authentic, and I don’t believe he’ll bless your attempt to be someone else.  He’s given each of us our own destiny.  The choice is ours.  Our goals are merely the stepping stones that are required to reach the divine destiny that God has placed before us.

Excuse #3:  I wrote down goals last year and didn’t achieve them.  I don’t want to be a failure.

One thing is certain – if you don’t try, you’ve already failed.  Additionally, how are you measuring success?  In last year’s post, A New Year, A New Beginning, I talk about the all or nothing approach we take when judging ourselves.  This approach leads to self-sabotage.  Many times, it is not the naysayers that keep us stuck, it’s the loud voice in our own minds that tells us we aren’t worthy.  If your perception is you failed at reaching your goals last year, take a moment to document the steps you took toward your goals.  For instance, if last year was the first year you had documented goals, that’s an achievement.  Above all, stop being your worst critic.  If you don’t love yourself that may very well need to be your goal this year.  This is merely my opinion, but if you have a negative perception of yourself, you will likely always struggle to achieve your goals.

Please make the decision to become excited about 2012.  Everything may not go your way this year, but you can choose to have a positive outlook and make the most of each day.  As you make your plans for the year, don’t forget to celebrate each success no matter how small because what we focus on expands.  Happy New Year!