New Year Resolutions: Beyond the List - Three Foundations for a Better You

Compliments of the season once again! I'm thrilled to have you here, and I pray that you find the joy, happiness, and pleasant surprises that God has in store for us this year.

There's no doubt that a good majority of the world's population is in the process of documenting their New Year's resolution. I view a resolution as the willingness of a person to change, maintain, or renounce a habit or behaviour to become a better person. However, most times our written intent is not realised because we lack the fuel to actualise it. Below, I want to guide you through the foundations and layers needed to actualise your goals effortlessly.

1. A Solid Foundation in God

It is important to make God the foundation of any decision you make. But let me take that a step further: it’s beyond just making a list and asking Him to bless it. It is about seeking Him. My journey started by using God as a footmat—a foundation I’d dump everything on before going to sleep, knowing I was safe. But maturity has prompted me to evolve from seeing God as a "child" to seeing Him as a figure I want to truly know, not just use.

I began searching with the aim of meeting Him and knowing His heart. That evolved into being the "apprentice"—approaching Him for clarity when I was confused. He has become my peace, my calm, and my confidence. This hunger for God has molded me in ways I can hardly put into words; I’ve gained discipline and happiness, which makes my work more productive. Working hard isn't the problem—working on the wrong things is. When you are aligned with God, you don't waste energy on things that frustrate your efforts.

"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." — Matthew 6:33

2. Work on Yourself

You are the template God is working on. You need to do your part: show up for yourself, care for yourself, and be ready for the wins ahead. This means investing in your body, soul, and mind. Use your time wisely and set SMART goals.

What are SMART Goals?

To move from a "written intent" to a "reality," your goals need to be:

• S - Specific: Clear and well-defined. (Not "get fit," but "start jogging").
• M - Measurable: Trackable progress. (How much or how many?).
• A - Achievable: Realistic and possible for your current level.
• R - Relevant: Aligned with your values and the "Work on Yourself" pillar.
• T - Time-bound: Has a deadline to create a sense of urgency.

Start small and allow them to compound. Love yourself enough to forgive your mistakes, respect your boundaries, and tap out when necessary. When you value yourself, you prepare the vessel for the blessings God wants to pour into you.

3. Relationship with Others

Whether we like it or not, human connection is pivotal. Think of the people you meet daily—your bus driver, lecturer, boss, or neighbour. In one way or another, they aid your deliverance and your growth. A great relationship with God and myself has helped me build better connections with others and discern who I need to stay away from. These relationships are the bridges to your next level.

Track Your Progress Daily

Recording your progress will help you immensely. I invite you to get your copy of "I Know Who I AM" — a guided journal I created to help you check in with yourself daily and make those SMART goals trackable.

GET THE JOURNAL ON AMAZON

Ready to start?

Download my One-Month SMART Goal Template to help you navigate and actualize your goals this month.

Download Template (PDF)

As you work on your goals, here is a practical tool for your global finances:

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I hope you found this helpful! Do well to comment, like, and share. Thanks!