2015 New Year's Resolution - Just Get To It!

Recently, while at Starbucks an impressive conversation about New Year's Resolutions occurred.  Quite an impressive group of individuals gathered around a table with their favorite lattes!  As they discussed their resolutions for the coming 2015, my occurred more than once!  Back and forth a litany of New Year's resolutions both past and present surfaced as the boisterous conversation erupted.

#1 - "I'm going to lose 50 pounds!"

She shared her years' long struggle with weight lost.  In fact, unfortunately, though tried many times the fifty pound loss never transpired; not once.  I truly do wish her well.

#2 - "I'm going to get into shape!" 

This week while at the local YMCA, the increase in people milling around the facility was, well, both irritating and astounding. A normal workout took twice as long while waiting for novices to finish their extended conversations huddled around fitness apparatuses. 

Asking the attendant at the front desk as to the number of new membership registrations he said, "About two hundred new registrations in the last three weeks!"  He then added, "Most of them will drop off, and never been seen again by February!"

#3 - "I'm going to get out of debt!"

It's quite staggering the numbers of people struggling unmanageable debt. The vast majority will never learn to manage their debt, nor eliminate it. Having pastored a bit over the years a story comes to mind.

A couple in their middle thirties came into to my office asking for help.  "We just don't make enough money they exclaimed!"  I asked for a list of all their debts.  Over time, we compiled a complete picture of their financial situation.  Ready?  Here it comes. The couple's entire combined gross income totaled about $60,000 a year. Their total indebtedness stood at right about $500,000.00! They owed sixty thousand dollars in credit card debt alone.  Their self-acquired financial situation proved stifling to everything they claimed to value.  To this day, they are slaves to their inability to manage their finances.

To Resolute or Not To Resolute - That is the Question

Let's be honest.  Most resolutions, while lofty in their aims, are never realized.  Good resolutions, well-meaning resolutions, and needed life changes, which never seem to last for more than a few weeks. Why? Perhaps some resolutions are too lofty, too farsighted, or too unattainable? Maybe?  Maybe not?

During my many years as a missionary in Africa, a common riddle was heard over and over again.  "How do you eat an elephant?"  Answer, "One bite at a time."  Perhaps, a one bite at a time approach to accomplishing our New Year's resolutions is needed.  Here's a thought:

#4 "So, Just get to it."

My personal New Year's resolution is to, "Just get to it!"  I find that most my goals, if not all my goals, are achieved one step at a time. Inching forward regardless of seemingly insignificance is still, for me, progress.  Instead of losing 50 pounds, how about starting off with five pounds?  Rather than paying off all one's credit cards, what about paying off one card while not using the others?  And, maybe  exercising smart, starting off slowly, and being consistent might prove far more beneficial than desiring to win the Charles Atlas Trophy?  


Consistent progress eventually produces results.  Results realize their initial goals in final fulfillment.  To begin the task, continue the task no matter how arduous, and complete the task no matter how long - is monumental. 

So, in the New Year 2015, I bid you a Happy New Year.  Whatever your goals and resolutions in this New Year, I wish you the utmost success!  So, Just get to it.


Just My Thoughts

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