Setting on a journey to a new beginning each year can sometimes seem to be chasing elusive dreams. Marked by ambitious resolutions, the disappointments that accompany unmet goals may leave us questioning our resolve for change. However, as the new year starts, it brings us endless opportunities for self-reflection and a fresh start to reach our goals. Although we can dream all the dreams in the world, setting dreams that are not only inspiring but also achievable will more likely be successful at the end of each year.
Our New Year’s resolutions can sometimes lose their appeal as the months progress. The initial enthusiasm we felt eventually diminishes, and the goals we set seem to drift farther beyond our reach. This is a common predicament, leaving many individuals pondering how to ensure that their aspirations for the year evolve beyond just fleeting hopes.
To break free from the cycle of these unmet resolutions, we must consider approaching the new year with a fresh perspective — one that teaches us to craft tangible and realistic goals. Instead of setting grandiose expectations that may lead to disappointment and heavier burdens, we must focus on objectives that are specific, measurable, and attainable.
We can start this by considering the following:
Reflecting on the Past.
Reflecting on the resolutions from the previous year can help us understand our ways of reaching our dreams. We must acknowledge last year’s achievements and setbacks, using them as valuable insights to shape our approach for the coming year. Through this, we may be aware of what went wrong and appreciate what went right. And it will better help us both in improving and maintaining what needs to be done.
Setting SMART(ER) Goals.
The SMART principle — Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound — is often used by researchers to be able to reach their goals. As individuals trying to be better each passing year, we can enhance this framework by adopting SMART(ER) goals, incorporating ‘E’ for enjoying the workplace, remembering God’s command to do everything in love, and ‘R’ for Rekindling the fire in our hearts. This includes bringing with us the passion to fan the flames in the hearts of others. This can immensely contribute to reaching more realistic and God-centered dreams, leading us to be more confident and persistent individuals we wanted to be. This holistic approach ensures that our aspirations are aligned not only with practical outcomes but also with the deep satisfaction of enjoying the journey and rekindling the passion within us.
Embracing Creativity.
Infusing creativity into your goal-setting process can greatly improve your enthusiasm and zeal toward reaching your dreams. Think of your journey to achievement as a creative odyssey. Whether through writing, drawing, or vision boarding, visually representing your goals can make them more tangible and compelling. The key lies in transforming hopes into reality through a thoughtful and creative approach to goal-setting. By navigating away from generic resolutions and embracing a strategic and imaginative process, you can set the stage for a fulfilling journey in the new year.
Seeking God’s Vision.
New Year is one of our favorite times of the year. It’s a chance to bring all our hopes, dreams, and challenges before the Lord and seek His guidance. But doing so doesn’t do any good unless we give Him the chance to respond and guide us in the right direction to fulfill His will. That’s why we must not only set aside a quiet time to come before God with our Bible, a notebook, and a pen – we must also take the time to listen.
As believers of God, setting goals for the new year means setting them with Him, not just for His name’s sake. Ask God what He wants you to focus on in this new year: ‘Is this the year to start working on improving my relationship with my workmates? How do I enhance my services towards our Partner-Clients? How can I elevate my submission to my superiors?’ Let the Lord our God guide us as we make plans and set goals for this year.
“You crown the year with your bounty, and your carts overflow with abundance.” – Psalms 65:11
Go on, take this moment to set SMART(ER) goals, and meet the future you, reaching more achievable dreams.
Let this be the year where your aspirations are not just distant dreams but achievable milestones on your continuous journey of self-improvement.