I’ve been reading lots of New Year’s blogs.
People are listing things they learned in 2015.
11 things I learned in 2015
15 things I learned in 2015
52 things I learned in 2015
All the things I learned in 2015
Other people are listing goals and resolutions for 2016.
12 ways to make the write resolution
16 goals to set for next year
50 New Year resolutions and how to achieve each
Whoa!
I’m all for lists.
I like learning things.
Goals are good things … usually.
But at this stage of my life a list of 11 or 16 or 52 things (heaven forbid!) is too long a list to take with me as I hike through life over the next year.
I like 3.
1 is better.
Yes, one thing I have learned is that it is best if I focus on One Thing.
I don’t need to write it down somewhere and then forget where I put my list. I can keep it in my head!
After all, if I have to write down what I’ve learned, have I really learned it at all? If I have actually learned something, shouldn’t it just be part of who I am now? Shouldn’t it be somewhere in that vast data base in my head? Even have become part of my character? Do I have to keep a list to remind me of what I already know?
A skilsaw and a circular saw are actually the same thing. Oh that’s right. I know that! I’m so glad I had that on my list of things I learned this year.
I have also learned that when God asks me to do something, obedience is non-negotiable. But I don’t need to write it down. It has become so much a part of me that I rarely question the why’s or what if’s anymore when God speaks.
As for goals, I like the feeling of accomplishment as I check off things on my list.
Clean the kitchen – check
Water the plants – check
Buy a gift for Mom – check
But for the most part, a list of goals stresses me out. I can’t rest until they are all done. Even if it is a goal that will take a year to accomplish, it niggles and niggles at me until it is done, and then I can finally breathe. I can’t relax and enjoy the ride. That’s just how I roll.
Recently, I was part of a Facebook discussion on the statement that goals are meant to be flexible. That is, you make your goals but you are constantly readjusting said goals in order to fit your life and unforeseen roadblocks.
Hmmm. That’s interesting. But I’m wondering … if you are constantly readjusting your goals, what kind of goals are they? Aren’t you then failing to meet a goal you have set? Are you just trying to make yourself feel better for not meeting your goal?
If goals are meant to be flexible, wouldn’t they be called suggestions?
It’s confusing to me.
In the 100 metre race, the goal is to cross the finish line at 100 metres. You don’t move the finish line to 87 metres just because you can’t make it the full 100.
If I decide that I’m going to lose 10 pounds a month, but then I get to the end of January and have only lost 5, do I say to myself, just kidding … my goal was to lose 5? That doesn’t work for me because I’d still be kicking myself that I didn’t lose 10.
No, my goals can’t be flexible. It wouldn’t work for me. I’ve learned that when I make a goal or resolution, I better make good and sure that I am physically able and mentally capable to accomplish it. I’m too much of a perfectionist and it’s not worth the guilt and self-loathing that accompany broken resolutions.
As far as New Year resolutions go, I prefer to use a method my sister-in-law introduced to me:
Think over the last year and choose one or two things that I did right.
Then, decide to continue doing that thing right. Even improving on it.
It promotes the idea of growth and forward movement rather than making some unmanageable or unreachable goal.
It works for me, makes my life a little less stressful, and helps me focus on positives rather than negatives.
So here’s my One Thing. It is based on the Bible verse Luke 10:27 – “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbour as yourself.”
Love God, love people.
That’s it.
That’s my One Thing.
And what I love about it is that those four little words encompass all kinds of creativity.
No stress. No lists to lose.
Just One Thing to keep at the forefront of my brain as I walk through this next year.
What’s your One Thing?
Fantastic! I connected with you on all your thoughts and I agree those are suggestions, not goals. I too am goal-oriented and can stress over physical goals, especially if they are unrealistic and I fail. Ugh! My one goal for 2016 came when I was reading and writing my poem about light. It’s Jesus’ words to His disciples in John chp1: Come and See!
“Come and See”. That sounds like a great phrase to keep at the forefront of your mind this year. Love it.
Goals are so individual aren’t they? I think it is important to ‘roll’ with what works for you. I did Domald Millars Life Plan last year, then broke it down to 2015 specific goals in each of my categories. I didn’t look at it in 2015 but reviewed just recently and completed majority. I think their is a different between goals and intention. I believe intention stays the same but how we achieve it (goals) get readjusted if not working to achieve our intention. Regardless, being YOU is what is going to work for you to achieve ‘goals’ and sounds like you are right on track!
Yes, it took me a long time to figure out that it’s okay to do what works for me even if everyone is doing something else!
Very interesting and inspiring article Joy. Last year I had 12 themes and randomly chose 1 theme a month to work at and have fun with. This year I have a Gratitude journal to record 3 things I am grateful for at the end of each day.
Recording 3 things daily in a gratitude journal is a very do-able thing! Sounds great, Cathy.
Hi There! I’m coming over from Lynn’s blog.
I don’t list things that I’m going to do in the year, or what I’ve learned either. I’m probably just lazy! I do have a word for the year though, and I do write it down. I realize that you don’t do that. I think you are just a little further down the spiritual road than I am. I can appreciate your knowing the ‘one thing’, and living that out. You should do exactly what you feel God is calling you to do. As you said, obedience is non-negotiable!
Nice to meet you!
Ceil
Hi Ceil. (How do you pronounce that?) So nice to meet you! Thanks for dropping by. I know many people who have a word for the year and it works great for them. So many methods out there, as unique as the people who use them. 🙂