The first week of the New Year is gone. You’re now on day two of the second week of 2020. I don’t know about you, but there are moments where the brevity of time and the speed at which it moves catches me by surprise. Like today, when it seems that only a few days ago we were together with family for Thanksgiving. Truly, time does fly sometimes.
If you are a person who makes those resolution things every year, how’s it going? Too often we start something new or set out to make a change only to slip up in the first few days. Statistics show that close to 80% of people who break their resolutions do so within the first two months. When that happens, it’s rather easy to just give up. I don’t want you to do that. You don’t really want to do that either.
So here’s some encouragement for you. Start again. Don’t let discouragement take hold of your spirit and mind and convince yourself that once again you didn’t make it. Any change worth making will take you considerable time. Another statistic about making real change in your life says that it takes 60 days of consistency to see those changes become part of your lifestyle. See the connection? Two months to make real change, and most people who give up do so within the first two months.
Why not see this second week of 2020 as New Year’s 2.0? If you slipped up with all the excitement, food, relatives, parties, etc of the holidays, reboot today and get back at it.
Here are two verses I like when endeavoring to do something new or make a change.
“The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, while the soul of the diligent is richly supplied.” – Proverb 13:4
“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” – Philippians 4:13
No matter what you’re facing, what you’re trying to learn or what you’re trying to accomplish, don’t give up! If you’re a follower of Jesus, remember that you are not alone. He has promised never to leave and never to forsake you. In your weakness, his strength is there for you.
Not only that, in the church (your community of fellow followers of Jesus) you have support. Get a friend or two and make them part of your process. Ask them to walk with you and keep you accountable along your path. They will encourage you when you have a tough day, when you don’t feel like continuing on. They will also celebrate with you when you hit a milestone and see real progress.
Lastly, if you do slip up (you have that coke that you have decided to cut out of your diet), don’t let it totally derail your journey. Acknowledge it, share it with your accountability partners, then get right back at it. Remember, nothing worth doing will come easy. It will take a considerable amount of effort and time. KEEP. AT. IT!
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