I’ve never been one to really make New Year’s resolutions. Sure, there are lots of things I always say I would like to do whenever a new year is starting but like most people, my goals are more wishes and little to no action is taken on my part to see them to fulfillment. I recognize that this shows the lack of discipline I have in my life. I tend to blame it on the fact that when I have a lot of goals, I get overwhelmed to the point that it incapacitates me. While this is true, I use it as an excuse and convince myself that there is no way that I can change it. I am starting to realize that I’m wrong to think this way. If I can’t change my natural reaction to things, I have to look for a way to change the “things” to produce a better response. Does that even make sense?
Here’s where I’m trying to go– instead of setting myself up for failure by making a list of all the things I want to accomplish in 2011, I’m going to pick one. Yep, just one goal. And this goal has to be specific– when I over generalize it leaves room for me to be lazy and then just give up when I’m not succeeding. So, I am going to set one specific goal right now and when I accomplish that goal, I will set myself another one.
My first goal for 2011? Read through “The Purpose Driven Life” by Rick Warren. I realize I’m about 8 years late in getting around to this (story of my life!). I have a bad habit of buying books that people recommend and then they just sit on my bookshelf until I get around to reading them. I counted last night and there are over 50 books on my bookshelf that I have yet to read. 50!!! And to think I even bought a new one today! So, I decided I needed to start reading these books, one at a time, and thus my first resolution for 2011 was decided.
I think “Purpose Driven Life” is appropriate for me at this stage in my life as I’m trying to determine what God’s specific purpose for me is. I know the overarching answer is that I was created to glorify Him, however I want to really drill down and try to find the specific purpose He has for me– the thing I should be using my gifts and talents for. It’s a journey I’ve been wanting to go on for a couple years now and while I’ve done a few things here and there, I haven’t committed myself to a thorough examination and search for the answers.
Day 1 is done. Here’s hoping I can stay committed for the next 39 days. If I miss a day, I won’t let it discourage me and I will start again anew. I pray that God helps me as I try to discipline myself in this small way as I journey to discovering my purpose in life.
