Every year around this time we decide to make a bold and positive change when it comes to the new year. Once January 1 hits, we will suddenly transform into this very spiritual, very athletic and very organized person who strives with determination to read a chapter of Scripture a day, work out every week and create order in our lives. Those goals are actually pretty solid and, if followed, will definitely make you a happier and stronger individual.

Unfortunately, how many of us are real enough to admit our #NewYearGoals last more than maybe three weeks? I won’t lie and say I ever complete even one thing on my list. By December 31, we forgot we even made a list a year ago; and yes, New Years resolutions are supposed to last the full year. Heck, I forget about my list long before even March 31.

So what elements play a role in us giving up on our 20(insert year here) ideas? What starts off as inspirational often ends with abrupt discouragement and a beat-yourself-up-when-you-miss-a-workout mentality. I believe, admittedly with little research and going merely off of intuition, that a huge reason for giving up on our goals is because we make unreasonable or unmeasurable ones.

What does “get organized” even mean? What does it look like? How do you know when you reach it? You can’t, really, because it isn’t specific. To help us all get started, I compiled a small list of fourteen measurable and impactful goals to set your minds and hearts on this year, 2017. Now, this list is not necessarily “easy;” it will take a lot of self control and prioritizing, but it is manageable and its success upon completion will leave you a renewed, healthier and happier you.

1. Pertaining To Your Spiritual Life:

I will attend a new Bible study.

This will depend on where you go to church or what area you live in, but do some research before January 1 hits. If you live on a college campus, research churches in your area. This goal proves very cut-and-dry. If you attend and complete it, then you can check it off of your list. If you go the whole year without attending (consistently) a single Bible Study, then you know to work on that for next year.

I will start and complete a Read Through the Bible In a Year program.

It really doesn’t get more “measurable” than this. You find a program online, and every day you read the chapters listed until you reach the very end. This is a great substitution for the “I will read my Bible more” resolution so many of us mistakenly promise ourselves. If this goal seems intimidating, maybe start with a “read the New Testament in a year” program. Just remember, if you miss a day do not be discouraged, just start fresh the next day!

I will start a personal prayer journal.

This resolution is especially great because you can measure your progress as you go throughout the year. Writing your prayers down not only helps you stay focused in your prayer life, but is also so moving and an amazing reminder of God’s grace when you read your past entries. You will see how God has worked in your life over the year and how He has answered your prayers. You will know if you successfully accomplish this goal by how full your prayer journal is at the end of the year!

I will dedicate a notebook to writing down prayer request for others.

During my freshman year of college, I started and finished a prayer journal that I will keep with me forever. I will pass it onto my children and prayerfully it will be in my family for years to come. However, after reading through it a few times I realized I really only focus on myself and personal prayers in the journal. Of course, praying for personal growth and change is never overlooked by the Lord, but He does encourage us to pray for others. Instead of saying, “I will pray for others more,” keep a small notebook tucked away where you write down other’s prayer requests. This way you will always remember and can hold yourself accountable. Naturally, after writing them down, don’t forget to actually pray about them!

I will only listen to Christian music for one whole week each month.

During lent my Junior year of High School, I listened to nothing but Christian music. It did not prove easy (especially when going to the gym, but Lecrae and Andy Mineo are actually pretty hype), but it made a huge impact on my everyday life. This is a great way to rejuvenate and restart your month. When I did this, I found my thoughts more positive and Christ-centered. This goal proves more measurable and doable than just promising to listen to Christian music more. Of course, implement encouraging music throughout the rest of your month as well!

2. Pertaining To Your Health:

I will buy a gym membership.

While this goal technically can be counted “successful” with a one-time swipe of your credit card, it will encourage you to go to workout more. If promising to get active with at-home workouts is not motivation enough, consider spending a little money on a program or a membership. This way, you will want to get your money’s worth. Treat yourself to a new pair of workout leggings and some bright and colorful sneakers and you won’t be able to not show them off at your local gym!

I will only take the stairs for a year.

Dang, this doesn’t sound fun, does it? Well, unfortunately for us all, taking the stairs does prove an amazing workout. Even if your office or your class lays on the second floor, think about having to walk up and down those stairs a few times a day. You will increase your heart rate without a second thought, and every time you chicken out on the elevator, you’ll know you failed your goal that time. It might not be fun, but it’s cheap, measurable and works!

I will limit eating out to twice a month.

Goodbye daily McDonald’s runs and late-night Sonic drives. Not only will you save boo koo bucks, but you will also make your own meals more often. This way, you have more control over what you eat. Of course, if you only go to Kroger for cheese and cookie crisps, you defeat the purpose of this goal. So limit your fast-food intake, hold yourself accountable for staying within these limits and grocery shop for nutritious foods.

I will dress up four days a week.

This might be unrelated to working out or eating a balanced diet, but it will make you feel healthier and happier. If we wear our sweatpants and crew necks to class every day, we start to feel the way we look: drab. Instead, maybe put some gel in your hair every once in a while, sport the cute ballet flat to your 8 a.m. This will put a pep in your step, make you look more presentable and give you an all around healthier feel!

3. Pertaining To Getting Organized:

I will keep up with my agenda/calendar.

First, buy the cutest and most vibrant calendar Target has to offer. This will encourage you to actually use it. Next, after every syllabus day or work meeting, write down every important date. By starting early, your due dates won’t sneak up on you, and you will be aware of deadlines weeks in advance. You measure this goal by skimming through your agenda every morning. What do you need to do that week? How colorful or full is your agenda? Are there any missing dates? You will know if you use your agenda or not, and will easily measure this goal instead of just promising a vague “more organized” year.

I will write and send letters to my long-distance friends at least once a month.

Woohoo! It’s the year of keeping in touch and letting your long-distance friends and family know you care. This takes a lot of organization, so we will include it under this list. Your grandparents will love to get a letter in return for their cash-stuffed birthday cards and college-ready gift baskets every once in a while. Your friends who went out of state will smile when they see you thought of them. Sending an “I’m thinking of you” text is nice, but it just isn’t as special. Once you start writing these cards you will feel your life starting to come together. Your friends and family will be impressed with your organizational skills too!

I will invite someone in my circle who I don’t know well to lunch once a month.

This not only proves you are organized enough to keep up with your nearby friends, but again, it shows you care. Especially for college kids, getting to know the girls and guys on your floor is important. Reach out to some of the people in your college ministry you don’t know as well, or maybe someone in an on-campus organization. This goes for work, your kid’s schools, literally anywhere.

4. Pertaining To Saving Money:

I will only buy my casual clothes at thrift stores this year.

OK, before you write this one completely let me just vouch for your local Goodwill. You can find some treasures there, I promise! I actually own a Loft-scale pantsuit from a local thrift store that I bought for $6. It’s perfect for internship interviews and one of the comfiest things I own. If you give this challenge a try, you will not only save a ton of money, but you will appreciate your wardrobe more. The main rule in The Layman’s Guide to Thrifting is to never thrift alone. Grab a buddy, or even two, and see how many hidden gems you find!

I will dedicate myself to tithing every paycheck I make this year.

This goal proves super measurable and super important. The Old Testament suggests giving a minimum of 10 percent, but other than that the standards remain vague. Not only is tithing a great way to do something for others and a measurable way to obey the Lord, but it is also a good habit to work into your finances. Give what you can, and God will bless it. You never know how He will use what little you are willing to give Him control of!

These fourteen New Years resolutions will hopefully get you started on the right foot for the upcoming year. Remember, 1 Corinthians 10:31 says, “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” Have a blessed and happy New Year!