Only 8% Succeed!

2015

Are you making New Year’s resolutions? According to Forbes.com, 40% of Americans make them and only 8% of people actually achieve their resolution—92% of us do not succeed.

That is a pretty disappointing statistic considering that a resolution is supposed to be a “firm decision to do something.”

According to USA.gov the most common resolutions include:

  • CLM blog pic 2Lose Weight
  • Volunteer to Help Others
  • Quit Smoking
  • Get a Better Education
  • Get a Better Job
  • Save Money
  • Get Fit
  • Eat Healthy Food
  • Manage Stress
  • Manage Debt
  • Take a Trip
  • Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle
  • Drink Less Alcohol

All of these are positive resolutions for a better lifestyle, but it takes commitment and dedication to actually achieve these goals. Generally, we get excited about making a change in our life and then get impatient with the slow results.  So, if you are already feeling impatient, I would encourage you to stay disciplined in your resolve and renew your mind with the Word of God.

“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”—James 1:2-4

shutterstock_229008130Remember to take baby steps rather than going ‘cold turkey’ on January 1st.  If your goal is to “volunteer to help others” why don’t you find a way you can volunteer once or twice a month to start with?  If your goal is to “save money,” create a reasonable plan to start saving each week with a reachable first-quarter goal.

Habakkuk 2:2 challenges us to write our vision and make it plain. So today, I am challenging you to write your vision, write attainable action steps, and find an accountability partner.

And if you fall off track don’t completely throw in the towel—give yourself grace to get back on track and regain the lost ground. One fall is not worth accepting complete failure!

I would also like to challenge you to have at least one spiritual resolution—i.e. pray more, quit gossiping, or increase your devotion or study time.

You might be asking, “Curt, what are your resolutions?” I actually published mine during the 8 days of Hanukkah:

Day 1 / Candle 1: Live life fully in Yeshua this year…

Day 2 / Candle 2: Walk in His purpose for my life…

Day 3 / Candle 3: Stop keeping negative company…

Day 4 / Candle 4: Be humble. Be generous…

Day 5 / Candle 5: Embrace growth and change…

Day 6 / Candle 6: Don’t quit at anything…

Day 7 / Candle 7: Trust the Lord and surrender control…

Day 8 / Candle 8: Quit waiting until tomorrow—enjoy life today!

May you be successful in all your goals!

Happy New Year, Friends!