Resolutions

     New Year's Resolutions...I don't make them.  I use to make them.  I would be so excited at the end of each year as I prepared my list of all the things that I was going to change and make better.  I'd start off strong for few weeks, but then would fail and start to feel guilty.  Now at the beginning of each year, instead of making a list I simply say a prayer: "Father, please help me be the best me I can be and let what I do glorify you and help build Your Kingdom."  Now, instead of making a list to follow, I look for opportunities to be the best me I can be, glorify God, and help build the Kingdom.
     Instead of resolutions, I set attainable goals.  Anyone who knows me, knows how much I love quotes.  A quote I found that I'm using as great advice for this year is :

"Don't be a time manager, be a priority manager.  Cut your major goals into bite-sized pieces.  Each small priority or requirement on the way to ultimate goals becomes a mini goal in itself."   - Denis Waitley

     Whatever goals we want to achieve in 2012 need to be broken down into small doable parts.  Each part that is accomplished is a success that builds the road to our destination.  Once we have "arrived," we need to look back to see what worked and what didn't work and learn from our experience.  As we celebrate our achievement, let's look for opportunities to share our success with others and encourage them.
     Each new year can truly be a new beginning.  Whether or not you make resolutions, recognize you don't have to wait until the beginning of a new year to make changes to your life. A friend posted the following quote I found encouraging and am sure to read several times throughout the year:

"No matter how many mistakes you make or how slow your progress, you are still way ahead of everyone who isn't trying."  -author unknown

     So keep trying and don't give up!