This Year's Resolution: Start Strong, Finish Strong

The question “What is your resolution?” is heard more often at the beginning of the year. Yet some of us may only be starting to take steps to make it happen, or may even have just found that resolution now.

“Oh, does that mean I’m late?”

Do not worry. A resolution is personal, so it does not have to be set or started in January. Our yearly plan can begin in February, April, or other months; what matters is that the time frame ends in the same month the following year.

For those who already have, or have just found, a resolution, let us start strong, so that at the end of the year the plan can finish strong too. Here are three things needed to achieve our resolutions:

1. Focus

You may have heard the theory that sunlight focused on one point through a convex lens can burn paper. Yes, this mechanism of concentrated solar heat is so effective that it is used on a large scale by various industries, including power generation. Remarkable, isn’t it, the power of focus?

To achieve a resolution, we also need focus. So then, does focus mean we are only allowed to do one thing for our whole life?

If that were the meaning, then no one would be able to focus, because in life, whether we want to or not, we hold several roles at once.

For example, a career woman who already has a family. At the office, she serves as an employee. At home, as a wife and mother. In her relationship with her parents, she is a daughter. In the church, she is part of the congregation. If she joins a club, she may serve as a member, treasurer, or chairperson.

Focus does not mean we are only allowed to do one thing. Every role we carry in life has its own tasks and responsibilities. Focus means placing and centering your whole mind, soul, and body on what you are doing. So, if you are having your quiet time but your thoughts are wandering everywhere, that means you are not focused.

The fewer roles you take on, the more optimal the results of what you do will be. The closer you will also be to achieving your resolution. On the other hand, too many roles or activities will divide your focus. Distracted people don’t accomplish anything One of the greatest enemies of focus is distraction (a diversion). Distraction is different for each person. Find out what your distraction is. Is it pride? Fear? Worry? Your comfort zone? Social media accounts that must be checked every hour? Too many things being done at once? Your friends? Busy replying to chats?

“Brothers and sisters, I do not consider that I have already taken hold of it, but this is what I do: forgetting what lies behind me and reaching toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize, namely the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 3:13-14

Have you focused on your resolution? Or have you been diverted by things that make you slower or farther from reaching the goal?

Leave behind the things that keep you from moving forward, and run toward your goal as fast as possible. Focus on your resolution like a lens that channels the sun’s heat into fire.

2. Plan – Do – Evaluate

Plan – Do – Evaluate is a cycle you need to go through to achieve your resolution. Why a cycle? Because you begin with planning (plan), action (do), and evaluation (evaluate), then return to the beginning with a better plan after doing the evaluation. That way, you do not get trapped in a routine that looks busy but is actually less effective in reaching the goal.

Those three things are a cycle, so none of them may be skipped. Do not carry out only one or only part of them. Many people keep planning but never act. There are also those who keep acting but never make plans or evaluate; of course the risk will be greater. Or, some have already evaluated, but the next plan remains the same as before. No wonder the results are also the same.

Jesus answered them, "Go and tell that fox: I cast out demons and heal people today and tomorrow, and on the third day I will finish My work.” – Luke 13:32

We know that Jesus was successful in His life. He began God’s resolution 2000 years ago by Himself, then continued by striving together with His 12 disciples. He worked productively for only three years, yet we can still feel the fruit of His work to this day, even though physically He is no longer with us.

Jesus planned and carried out each of His tasks well within the timeframe that had already been determined, then made sure everything went according to plan. That is why His journey as a man never failed. Learn from Jesus.

3. Be Consistent

On the journey toward achieving our resolution, there will always be obstacles and challenges that we face. Even so, we need to remain consistent. No matter what happens, we still have to keep moving forward.

To be consistent, always remember these three things:

• Commitment
• Discipline
• No Excuses

When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" Many people rebuked him so that he would be quiet. But he cried out all the more, "Son of David, have mercy on me!" Then Jesus stopped and said, "Call him!" They called the blind man and said to him, "Take heart, get up, He is calling you." – Mark 10:47-49

Jesus’ miracle for blind Bartimaeus (Mark 10:42-52) is one inspirational story about perseverance. Imagine if Bartimaeus had stopped calling out to Jesus, whether because he was tired of shouting, or because he backed down when people told him to be quiet. Would he have seen again?

There are times when we want to stop halfway. Perhaps our struggle is so difficult, there are many challenges, or because there is no support from the people around us. These feelings are normal and human. Yet, if you have firmly determined to finish it, then do it until it is done. Don’t stop when it hurts, stop when it’s done. What has caused your resolution to fade in the middle of the journey? Could it be because you are not consistent enough? Not disciplined enough? Too many excuses to delay? It may be that you fail to reach your goal not because you are unable, but because you are hindered by yourself. So, have commitment, discipline, and do not look for excuses to delay or sabotage your own goal.

So, are you ready to end this year in victory? Let us strive to achieve each of our resolutions. With focus, carrying out the right cycle (plan-do-evaluate), and remaining consistent, surely we can achieve an extraordinary final result.

Keep up the spirit, and good luck to all of us!

* church GKDI is currently present in 35 cities. We have Bible Study activities in every area; if you need information or would like to get involved, contact us at the church GKDI Official: WhatsApp 0821 2285 8686 or Facebook / Instagram GKDI Official

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