Well, it’s the first week of January. That means gyms have more business than ever, stores are selling out of organizing materials, and health food store employees are stuck scavenging for items new customers don’t know how to pronounce. Many people look at the fresh start of a new year as the chance to change their habits. The sad reality is many of these resolutions have faded already as life’s full throttle train begins to pick up speed again.

Goals are a crucial part of life; if we do not set goals, we will never achieve the standard of who we strive to be. The problem with goals is a goal does not illicit a change in behavior – only discipline can do that. Discipline differs from a goal by being more intentional. Goals can be very abstract and unattainable, while discipline is the right type of shoe to carry you to reaching the goal you’ve set.

Discipline’s definition is often misconstrued. Some consider it an idea associated with punishment and others, a legalistic way of living. Discipline is actually a beautiful quality that should be regarded with the upmost importance. The Merriam Webster Dictionary defines discipline as “training that corrects, molds, or perfects the mental faculties or moral character” of a person. Without this factor of intentional training, is one truly able to accomplish goals at all?

As crucial as discipline is, it also means nothing if feet are not put to the word. Jim Rohn, a well known business philosopher explains "discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment." To make discipline an attainable, lifelong practice, consider the following four areas in which to apply discipline: academic pursuits, health goals, relational ambitions, and spiritual aims.

Academic pursuits are far more than homework. If you are in school, strive for straight A’s or an ACT score. Those are wonderful achievement worth working for. But, goals in the academic realm are not limited to students. Truly, we should never stop the discipline of learning, for we will never be able to know everything. Don’t let that statement overwhelm you, but allow it to excite you! I may never understand everything, but I sure can attempt to try my hand at many areas of study while I have the chance. Maybe identify twelve books you want to read about a variety of topics and faithfully read one a month. That leaves only a few chapters a week, to amount to merely pages a day. If reading is not your favorite hobby, try to watch documentaries about history, culture, or nature. Attempt a new skill, like knitting or playing an instrument. Whatever type of learning you choose, set aside an allotted time each day to pursue your mental discipline. Even if it is only 15 minutes before you go to bed or an audio book as you drive to work, make time for the exercise of learning.

Health goals is a common one to hear of in January. Rather than making a general goal of “getting in shape,” put accountability into your goal and make it a personal discipline. If you have a gym membership, strive for a certain number of trips a week, or identify a countable method to track your progress. For instance, I’m planning to run a half marathon in a few months with my best friend. We created a plan with which to train for this feat and are able to see our improvement. With an immovable feat in place, the race keeps us training without waver. Make time to push your body at whatever time, in whichever way you prefer. In the same way, strive to be disciplined in your eating, considering the content and quantity. Being healthy sure does make living more fun! Discipline in this area generates joy on the cheat days instead of guilt. When you’ve worked for a reward, dessert is a little sweeter.

In your year, make time for relationships; be disciplined in the time you spend with your family and friends. Work is important, but don’t miss what truly matters in life – the people in it. When you’re with those you love, be all there! Put down the phone, be unavailable to those not with you, and enjoy time together. Strive to be the kind of friend, spouse, or sibling you’d want. The whole “treat others the way you want to be treated” rule really does apply here eloquently. If you’re disciplined in the time you spend with others and the type of friend you choose to be, your relationships can flourish in a beautiful way.

Lastly, choose to be disciplined spiritually. I know life is busy, but the creator of the universe loves you. Did you read that right? The creator of the stars, who spoke the cosmos into being, designed you and wants to be intimately involved with you. The Bible tells of an unfathomable love and grace awaiting each soul who walks the earth. I challenge you to partake of the living water! It is free to all who come. Every day, choose to find rest in the God who lovingly forgives you. If you do spend time in His word faithfully, work on the discipline of scripture memory, prayer, or journaling. All believers have room to grow in their faith. For me, this year is a year of scripture memory; I’m trying to have the discipline to memorize a verse a week. And if I keep making a specific block of time to do it, I know I can. Make a spiritual goal that challenges you so that at the end, you can observe how God carried it through beyond what you yourself can do. He is faithful to carry His work in you to completion!

Once you identify disciplines you want to incorporate in your own life, write them down and place reminders all around you – put your list in your car, on your mirror and maybe on the refrigerator. If you see your aims, you may be more likely to achieve them.

This January, don’t let your resolutions die by February 1^st. Living a disciplined life brings joy and fulfillment. We are created to work diligently in all we do. When we work as if we’re serving the Lord in every action we perform, every word we say, how could we not accomplish our goals for the year? To live disciplined is to reap rewarding results in every area of our hearts.