ONE OF THESE DAYS…
If I had a nickel for every time I heard someone say something like, “You know one of these days I’m gonna…” I’d have a lot of nickels… Finish that sentence just about any way you can think of and we’ve all probably heard it more times any of us could recall.
I’ve found that people that talk about change excessively rarely earnestly attempt it.
That’s why New Years resolutions never made a lot of sense to me. If I feel a need for change I’m not going to wait for a new year to get started on it. If it’s important enough to warrant a change it shouldn’t wait until a certain date unless there is a binding contract or agreement involved.
I remember decades back when my dad quit smoking. He didn’t make a New Years resolution, he contemplated it for years and one day he threw out his pack of unfinished cigarettes and never fired up again.
I have to confess I ate like a horse over the weekend of Christmas, I had let down my discipline a bit for a couple months even prior to that. April from Blessed Beyond Measure (add shameless plug for your friend’s blog here) had a picture of a candy store in one of her posts and my mouth watered just thinking about it knowing the delicacies I’d soon be scarfing.
I knew it was time to get some extra cardio. I didn’t wait for the week to end so I could start fresh in the New Year, I started that day, the day I realized the need. I’m not saying I’m exceptional for having done so, I just know that my human nature, if allowed to put something off, will very likely continue to put it off, whatever it is.
One thing I do at the start of the New Year is make a list and the title at the top of my scrap notebook paper reads “Goals,” the things I want to be a priority in my life for the next 12 months. I fold up that list to the size of a business card and keep it in my wallet. My list of goals is with me every day of the year. I don’t look at it every day, but occasionally I’ll pull it out, unfold it and measure where I’m at on my quest and goals for the year.
Things like doing cardio to lean out or landing a literary agent don’t make it onto my list. I figure if I take care of the big things, the little things will take care of themselves. Here is a sample of the last list I’ve carried around for over a year;
1. Trust God in everything.
2. Learn to have only fear of, and/or reverence for God. (no fear of the world)
3. Be of the highest character during everyone else’s meltdown.
4. Honor God by how I love my wife.
5. Be a bigger part in my kids lives.
The next two lines were business related and the goals for my Lacrosse girls regarding work ethic, character, and their self-image… OK, and yes, to win a state championship. (I didn’t say I was perfect!)
In truth resolutions and goals are essentially the same thing. We have to be resolute or determined and unwavering in our pursuit of fulfilling our goals or desires. I like to use goals, not only due to the negative connotation that have become associated with resolutions, but also because goals don’t ever have to be completely attained in order to receive gratification. I think anything attempted in life that is done for the right reasons and is carried out with passion, desire, honor, and perseverance, carries the gratification within the process, not the outcome.
I’ll make a new list of goals for this year and I’ll have to carry some over from last year, probably even every year for the rest of my life. Each year as I do a little better and get closer to my goals I’ll be encouraged… God honors seekers.
“Someday” isn’t one of the days of the week and I’ve also heard it said that “someday never comes.” Whatever day of the week it is, regardless of what week or month it is, it is today… you know what today is?
TODAY’S THE DAY! Let’s not just be talkers, let’s be doers. It happens this year for all of us and it starts with action.
Betty Draper
Thursday, January 2, 2014 @ 7:48 pm
I think the key word here is “start”, not when or where or for how long. Just plain start takes some discipline. Sometimes I don’t want to start because…well because I just don’t want to start. I told Ace today I would rather be beat up then start a diet. In his wisdom he said, then don’t start. He started about seven months ago with weight watcher and has lost close to 50 pounds…I am so proud of him. You would think that would motivate me to join too…no, I would rather be dragged by wild horses.
So not to be too hard on myself I did start a new exercise…planking…for 30 days. Today is day four so I have to plank one cross fit plank for 30 seconds, just one, then one tomorrow for 45 seconds, on and on it goes till I finally get to 3 minutes for one plank. I must have been hit in the head to even start this kind of thing. But I have started and now my daughter and family are doing it too. All that to say I agree, any day is a good day to start anything. Good post brother. (opps I always forget the spanner box…going to write a post about being spamming.)
Floyd
Friday, January 3, 2014 @ 4:12 pm
Good for you, Betty!!! The first step really is the hardest! I know once you start you’re going to be hard to stop. One thing at a time, sister. Everything in time. I know it’s hard, it’s hard for me, so I understand and truly mean it when I tell you, “I’m proud of you.” Keep up the good work, I’m pulling for you… maybe I should say “holding”… I don’t like planks! But they like us!!! Thanks for sharing that, Betty. It is truly encouraging to hear someone succeeding.
Pam
Thursday, January 2, 2014 @ 8:15 pm
So true, Floyd. The writer of the old adage, “Never put off till tomorrow what you can do today.” would agree.
Floyd
Friday, January 3, 2014 @ 4:13 pm
Amen, Pam. It’s easier, but never more gratifying! Thanks!
Hazel Moon
Thursday, January 2, 2014 @ 11:19 pm
Begin !! yes, and I like your list of goals. I will tweak number 4 and make it say husband. May this coming year give us grace to accept changes that will inevitably come and to live above those things that are thrown at us by the enemy. At least to dodge them as best we can.
Floyd
Friday, January 3, 2014 @ 4:15 pm
I’m with you all the way, Hazel! We’ll take the lumps with honor, sister! And our Father will stop the big ones that might knock us down! Praying for you and Robert for a blessed year! Thanks, Hazel. I so appreciate your candor and style!
David
Friday, January 3, 2014 @ 8:20 am
I’ve never been big on resolutions or goals because I have always let myself down, so it’s easier to not even start. After reading your post, I definitely like the “goal” idea better. I guess my goal for this year needs to be to set a few realistic goals and learn to be content with progress toward those goals …
Thanks for giving me a different angle on this whole resolution thing.
Floyd
Friday, January 3, 2014 @ 4:17 pm
I’m with you, David. If we’re trying then we’re winning. We only fail if we don’t try. I know you try with honor, brother. That means you are winning! I pray God’s blessings on you and all you endeavor, brother!
David Rupert
Friday, January 3, 2014 @ 10:37 am
I’m a littel opposite — I’m focusing on the little things this year so I dont have to worry about the big things
Floyd
Friday, January 3, 2014 @ 4:28 pm
You know, I guess it could work either way. I guess it all comes out in the wash.. With the little things on top of course!
Betty Jo
Friday, January 3, 2014 @ 1:15 pm
“I figure if I take care of the big things, the little things will take care of themselves.” Love that, and of course you have the biggest and best goal at the top of your list. And No 2 is awesome as well. Those are on my list too. I don’t expect it to be a goal I actually finish in any given year, but one I’ll work towards for the rest of my earthly life, so no disappointments.
Floyd
Friday, January 3, 2014 @ 4:29 pm
I love the perspective, Betty Jo! There is no losing unless we give up… And that’s not the way we’re wired! Thanks for sharing that wisdom, sister!
Barb Raveling
Friday, January 3, 2014 @ 1:49 pm
I like your goals, Floyd. I like goals; I’m just not very good at achieving them normally. Also, I have to be careful I don’t beat myself up when I’m not making as much progress as I should. I do feel like I use my time better, though, if I have them, and also focus on good things I might not think of to focus on.
Floyd
Friday, January 3, 2014 @ 4:31 pm
I’m with you, Barb. I think we have to put them in the proper perspective. Striving is very underrated in my estimation. I believe our Father is honored when we strive for honorable things in life. We can’t lose unless we quit… and I know for sure there is no quit in you! Thanks, Barb.
Lisa notes
Friday, January 3, 2014 @ 3:21 pm
“TODAY’S THE DAY!” That’s good advice for every day indeed. 🙂 I think I may need a “not to resolve” list–not try to depend so much on me, not try to be perfect, etc. Markarios New Year!
Floyd
Friday, January 3, 2014 @ 4:34 pm
I think that sounds like a great idea! We struggle and strive and should be gratified in the honorable goals… Our Father will be with us as He marches us and sometimes carries us through the valleys. Markarios New Year to you too, sister! Greet Jeff with a Markarios New Year as well! Thanks, Lisa.
David
Friday, January 3, 2014 @ 10:52 pm
Just trying out my kindle.
Floyd
Saturday, January 4, 2014 @ 12:54 pm
I’ve got to get me one!
Jennifer Dougan
Saturday, January 4, 2014 @ 1:42 pm
You can do it, Floyd. 🙂 Good list there.
Re your comment on my post “He Asked Me With His Eyes,” it’s hard to know how to best help sometimes, huh? Our church has some ministries too. I was thankful to have food with me in the car this time.
May God give wisdom to you and me for each person we run into, huh? It’s not always clear.
Jennifer Dougan
http://www.jenniferdougan.com
Floyd
Sunday, January 5, 2014 @ 4:27 pm
I’m with you, Jennifer. It’s hard to know and discern about all people, but I guess if we’re going to err, we might as well err on the side of giving rather than not. I appreciate your heart, sister. Thanks, Jennifer.
Jason Stasyszen
Monday, January 6, 2014 @ 2:20 pm
I like starting a new year because it’s an opportunity. Some want to treat it like magic and think if they make a resolution or even set a goal, that’s enough. It takes commitment, determination, planning, and maybe even God’s strength to get our goals accomplished. Not that I’m a pro. I still fall short plenty and don’t reach everything I want to, but I’m not giving up and I’m so thankful for grace. I don’t want to squander a God-given opportunity! Thanks Floyd.
Floyd
Monday, January 6, 2014 @ 4:25 pm
Well said, Jason. Striving is the part of the process that brings gratification that is so undervalued in our culture today. We need to help enlighten society, Jason! Much wisdom in those words, brother. Thanks!
tcavey
Tuesday, January 7, 2014 @ 11:04 am
Great re-post!
Very motivating. Today is all we are certain of. Why put off until tomorrow what we can accomplish today? I may not be able to achieve it all, but I can make a dent in it if I work each day on becoming more than I was yesterday.
Floyd
Tuesday, January 7, 2014 @ 4:12 pm
Excellent attitude, TC! It really is about making progress, even if it’s three steps forward and two steps back… which isn’t uncommon for me! Thanks, TC.
Dan Black
Tuesday, January 7, 2014 @ 1:36 pm
We would be able to have quite a few coffee’s together if we saved those nickels:)
I try not to get hyped about New Year’s Resolutions. I focus on setting goals that would allow all areas of my life to grow and become better (A holistic approach). I believe success is having balanced in the areas that are most important to us. Like family, health, career, finances, well-being, and spiritual. Great thoughts!
Floyd
Tuesday, January 7, 2014 @ 4:18 pm
I’m with you, Dan, and I know you do have balance. Your insight helps me work on mine and I truly appreciate it!