Have you set your New Year’s Resolutions yet?!
Did you know that less than 10% of those who make New Year’s Resolutions actually keep them? Pretty dismal, I know.
Want to know my expert opinion on the whole thing?
We, in general, make NYR too big of a deal. We put all this pressure on ourselves and our end goal that we end up getting overwhelmed by ALL THE THINGS we think we have to do that most of the time, we end up quitting before we even begin.
Or, we do begin, but our expectations are so unrealistic that when we don’t immediately see the results we’re after, we say it’s not working and we give up.
So whether you’re trying to lose weight, eat healthier, advance in your career, go back to school, study the Bible, or adopt a more patient attitude, don’t set yourself up for failure for yet another year. Keep your eye on the prize, and remember.. you’ve got God on your side.
5 Bible Verses For Motivation
Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
Matthew 19:26 NIV
It can be easy to start to feel like you’re not capable of something. We tend to be our own worst critic. And working toward a goal, no matter what that goal may be, is never easy.
There are going to be days that are more difficult than others. Days when the journey stops being fun, and days where you’d much rather lay in bed reading a book than actually working toward achieving that goal.
We all have days like that. But the key to remember here is that even when it feels impossible; when you lack motivation or you feel like you’re not capable of climbing to the top of whatever mountain stands in your way, that nothing is impossible with God.
Get comfortable with feeling uncomfortable, because it is during times of discomfort that we often experience growth. And know that through all of it, give praise to God. Be thankful for the journey, thankful for the strength to push through, and know that through Christ, all things are possible.
“Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.”
Romans 12:11 NIV
“I can do all this through Christ which strengthened me.”
Philippians 4:13 KJV
There will be days when you wake up and the last thing you want to do is work on something. Even if it’s something you’re passionate about. Sometimes the idea of staying cozied up on our couch with endless snacks and a Netflix marathon will sound far more appealing than the daily grind.
It’s common.
Or, there will be days where you feel like you failed. Things didn’t turn out like you wanted, you felt rushed, or did something wrong.
Both scenarios WILL happen, and I’d be doing you a disservice if I let you believe they won’t come knocking on your door.
But you have to remember that you ARE strong. Because God made you that way. You can push through the bad times, you can find ways to make the hard times easier, and you can learn to view failure as a second chance.
Give yourself the same grace that God extends. Focus on progress, not perfection.
“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.”
2 Timothy 1:7 NIV
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Jeremiah 29:11 NIV
You were created for this space and time. You were created for moments such as these. God knew exactly what your life would be like before you ever took your first breath. He knew what hardships you would face, and which victories would be yours.
Know that through anything, you are not alone. God is with you every step of the way, and all of this is going according to His plan.
