Jeremiah 29:11(ESV)
11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare[a] and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
As the year 2018 was starting, most of us set ourselves New Year Resolutions which either have given us joy or frustrated us or we were overwhelmed by the achievements or disappointments that we got. There are some people who achieved all they planned and even exceeded their goals. As the year comes to an end a few facts must be noted:
1. 2018 will never come back again.
2. You cannot undo the successes and failures of 2018.
3. You can learn and readjust from your successes and failures.
4. You are not alone in this.
5. Reintroduce yourself in 2019 with lessons that you have learnt in 2018.
2018 brought much joy for the many that were able to achieve most of what they intended to do within the year. However, not everything was achieved. You can set yourself to be happy for achieving so much or you could be overwhelmed with the much achievements or frustrated with the little that you never achieved. It is all a matter of the heart.
We have many people that failed to take the necessary action to achieve their goals because of a sense of overwhelm. The goal appears to be too large and too difficult to achieve. They may have been lacking in some of the skills required to achieve the goal. When you're overwhelmed, it is easy to doubt your abilities. The key to setting these resolutions is setting them S.M.A.R.T.:
1. S-PECIFIC. Don’t set yourself general goals that you are even not sure off.
2. M-EASURABLE. Have a way of measuring progress.
3. A-TTAINABLE. There are certain short term goals that cannot be attained with the year.
4. R-EALISTIC. Don’t beat around the bush. Know exactly what you want to achieve.
5. T-IME BOUND. If it was only 2018 you are looking for, note what can attained within the year.
2018 had its own frustrations. Frustrations if not handled with care will hurt you. Overcome them by:
1. Facing them. When you’re frustrated facing that fact head on is the first step in handling your frustration well. Facing it will help you deal with the frustration directly, rather than taking out your bitterness elsewhere.
2. Changing what you can. Frustrations must be dealt with. We change what we can that’s causing, or has caused, the frustrations. There are always other new options in life. Never give up.
3. Accept and move forward. At this point, you’ve faced your frustrations and looked at ways to make changes in your life. Make up your mind to accept that that is how things are going to be. Feel empowered that you are deciding to maturely accept life as it is.
4. Narrow your vision. You will not be able to achieve all that you set to achieve. There are some that will overwhelm, some frustrate and some will bring joy to you.
The following may assist you to set resolutions that will not frustrate you the future.
1. FORGET YOUR PAST: You made it or you never made it. Move forward.
2. FOCUS ON YOUR PRIORITIES: This is a major area of concern. Many people pursue goals that are not theirs. Know what your priorities in your life are.
3. FUNCTION IN THE PRESENT: Assess your abilities to do what you must do. Do you have the resources and the skills needed? Where else can you get them? You must be involved.
You could be very disappointed with the year that was and almost give up. Can I encourage today. There is still hope for you in 2019. As long as God has given you the breath, the wealth and the health, there is still an open door for you to do all that you need to do. Learn from your failures, adjust according, set new goals and pursue them in 2019. Never give up.
2018 is coming to an end, we can only learn from it. As we enter 2019: Forget your Past, Focus your Priorities, and Function in the Present.
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