Hi Friends!
We are 7 days into the new year and I’m sure you are following all of your 2016 goals and renewed resolutions to the T! Like the way I committed to a “No Spend January?” So far I have already had a massage (justified medically helpful), bought some very necessary new pants for our family vacation next month, been to the grocery store practically every day because God-forbid we don’t have protein bars and fruit snacks, and caved to an infomercial on face cream. Yep, I’m totally dedicated. Actually the face cream moment of weakness was my husband’s fault. He is just so darn supportive…”You should buy it honey!”
Clearly I am not ready to take on the no spending challenge. It’s actually like my commitment to not spend money has taken away all my self-control in that area.
The problem lies in that I don’t think I REALLY made a commitment to not spend money. I bought a book, and even as I read the first chapter and the author asked us to make a decision in this area of finances for the next month, I knew my heart was not in it. I fake committed. And it hasn’t worked out so well.
On the other hand, I have committed to have quiet times consistently, to organize my week so that I can accomplish my work and creative goals, and to exercise. These are all going great so far! Why? Because I was ready to commit to these. I truly wanted to make positive changes in these areas.
So here are a couple of thoughts about sticking to your new (or renewed) 2016 goals:
- Be selective. You can’t decide to completely revamp your life in every way this year. Pick two or three –or even just one thing to focus on.
- Know What You Want. Well we all want to be skinny and have gobs of money in our savings and be kind and patient and never yell at our kids. But what is the reality? What is the thing you are READY FOR? Just like the smoker who really wants to quit smoking but can’t seem to shake the habit because deep down they want more to keep smoking. They are not ready, and maybe someday they will be. I thought I didn’t want to spend a DIME (well according to the book you can spend a few dimes) in the month of January but I didn’t really want that. Not yet. I do know that I want to continue to grow my relationship with God and that means a commitment to spending time with him each day which is why that area is working for me right now.
Take a look at your goals for this year. We are just a week in, but what is successful so far? What isn’t? That may give you an idea of what you really want. God Bless!
~Amy