Mid-January is creeping up on us… that time of the year when you start to feel disappointed as a sense of realisation and normality sinks in. Perhaps the majority of your new year’s resolutions were a bit far-fetched. But wait… it’s not too late to begin setting a standard for this year…
Setting a standard differs from setting New Year’s resolutions as they develop into long term goals, visions and begin to refine your character. The aim of setting a standard is not solely to set a new habit, but also to develop and stick to a new mentality.
1. VISUAL REPRESENTATIONS
This is one of the most effective ways of sticking to a regime. Often it’s not just enough to keep the goal that you want to achieve at the back of your mind, it’s better to write it down. You don’t have to stick to a list form – make it inventive by using pictures to represent your aims. A big poster in your room highlighting your visions will be a constant reminder of your future goal.
2. CHANGE YOUR PERSPECTIVE
A lot of the time, resolutions are set whilst one is looking at the faults and insecurities about themselves. Setting a standard requires looking at the finished product that you aspire to be, rather a more undesirable picture at present. (Your visual representations will help you to do this.) Think about it this way. A film director will always be looking towards the final product as a way of ensuring that their dream is carried out, even if things are going wrong on set and without the aid of visual effects.
3. LEAN NOT ON YOUR OWN UNDERSTANDING
Maybe the reason why New Year’s resolutions so often fail is because in many circumstances, solely relying on human strength is not enough. It is in these situations that we need to fully surrender ourselves to our Creator. You’ll soon find that the strength to stick to your desires will arrive.
4. BOLDNESS
A lot of the time, many resolutions do not stay with us because we may be afraid. Of change, how people may react, or overcoming a personal issue. Remember that God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind. This should be in your head as you aim to set a new standard. You will find that the audacity will enable you to be fearless in exercising a higher standard, even if people look at you in a different light. You should be more concerned about what God says rather than man’s opinion.
5. KEEP TO YOUR WORD
Remember that Yes Man film where Jim Carey’s character had to say yes to any question asked? Got him in a lot of pretty awkward situations. The key here is to become a person of your word. Let your yea be yea and your nay be nay. If you are unable to do something for someone don’t feel guilty about it, just say no. After all, this is better than saying yes and letting your friend down. Being known for being a person of your word will not only help you to stick to your aims for this coming year, but will also earn you respect and will shape you into becoming a person of integrity.
Written by Chinazum Ukata