Five Ways to Finally Maintain Your New Year’s Resolution
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

Five Ways to Finally Maintain Your New Year’s Resolution

A Devotional Inspired by Romans 12:2

4
Five Ways to Finally Maintain Your New Year’s Resolution
LinkedIn

2017 is almost here, and it is time for you to make your New Year’s resolution. All throughout January you always remain determined to achieve your goal, but you gradually become less motivated as February approaches. If you desire to break this cycle this year, here are five ways to finally maintain your new year’s resolution.

There is an old saying that if you do the same thing for twenty one days, it will become a habit. If your New Year’s goal is to read the Bible, pray, go to church, or workout more, start doing that activity consistently and on a regular basis. Soon it will become something ingrained in your routine that you do naturally. You will have formed a good habit.

For your New Year’s resolution you may have decided to give up an old bad habit instead of trying to cultivate a new good one. Maybe you resolved to gossip less or stop overspending money on things you want but don’t need. If you are struggling to not sin, pray daily. Remember that “no temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind” (1 Corinthians 10:13). God is faithful and will help you choose not to sin.

One way to rid yourself of a bad habit, besides asking God for help, is by removing temptations from your life. If your goal is to drink less alcohol, remove all the tequila, vodka, or wine from your apartment. If you desire to spend less time on your phone and more time actively conversing with those around you, put your cell phone on airplane mode when you are with friends.

While investing in your relationships, you can ask a friend to keep you accountable as you strive to maintain your New Year’s resolution. If your goal is to read your Bible more or have a daily quiet time, let your friend know your plan. Ask her to regularly pray for you and question you about your progress. Be open with her about your struggles. If you are not being honest with her about your New Year’s resolution, it is difficult to be honest with yourself and change your behavior.

The friend you ask to keep you accountable could be trying to break or form the same habit as you. You have found someone to walk alongside you. Try to maintain the same New Year’s resolution together. If you both want to work out more, run together regularly. If you desire to eat healthier, cook for and eat with each other weekly. It is easier to maintain your goal by working together. “Two are better than one. If either one of them falls down, one can help the other up.” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10)

By taking one or all of these five steps, you will be more likely to maintain your New Year’s resolution. You will also probably grow closer to God. As Christians we are called to pursue personal growth and “not be conformed any longer to the pattern of this world” (Romans 12:2). As we become more like Christ, our thoughts and goals will align with his. We will be able to love and live with purpose.
Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

71150
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

133030
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments