Habits.
Love ‘em or hate ‘em, we all have them, and they make us who we are.
As New Years approaches I’ve been pondering my 2013 goals. What do I want to accomplish in 2013? What kind of person do I want to be? When December 31st of 2013 rolls around, what do I want to be true of my life?As these questions ramble around my brain (I haven’t landed on any specific 2013 goals yet) it occurred to me that whether or not I achieve my goals will in large part be due to my habits.
And just so we are on the same page—a habit is nothing more than I choice I make so many times that the choice doesn’t even seem like a choice anymore.
Huh?
Let me illustrate: Do you think about whether or not to brush your teeth in the morning? Doubtful. Brushing your teeth is a choice that at some point became a habit.
And so it is with all habits. They are simply choices we make over and over and over. One day, one choice, at a time.
Although people tend to think more about bad habits, many of our habits are good ones. It pays to stop and remember our good habits as we turn our thoughts toward 2013 goals and resolutions. Focusing on what we already do right can help us achieve other positive habits, which in turn, can help us achieve our bigger goals, dreams and aspirations.
So, what habits do you have that are good habits?
Maybe you eat right (most of the time), exercise regularly or get 8 hours of sleep each night. Perhaps you spend a lot of time with your kids or can always be counted on to do an excellent job at work. Maybe you balance work and play well, or drink lots of water. Probably you shower on a regular basis. The list is endless.
The point is this: you and I already have some good habits. Somewhere in the course of our life we have developed habits that benefit us and those around us. As you and I consider who we want to be and what we want to do in 2013, let’s also consider starting some positive habits to help us get there.
In the new year, maybe you want to create a new you. Maybe you simply want the old you to be a little bit better. Either way, it all depends on our good habits.
For Further Thought…
What character quality would you like to be true of you in 2013?
What habit do you need to start in order to achieve this goal?
(i.e. gal who wants to become a more loving wife might make praising her husband everyday for a month a habit; a woman who wants to be a patient mom might make listening before reacting a habit)
What personal or professional accomplishment would you like to achieve in 2013?
What habit do you need to start in order to achieve this goal?
How would you like to grow spiritually in 2013?
What habit do you need to start to achieve this goal?
(i.e consider reading one chapter of the Bible each day, joining a Bible study, or reading Donna’s book SEEK: A Woman’s’ Guide to Meeting God.)
