How to Make a Better You – New Year…Fresh Start
by Nina Sabin - Healthy Tip
Can you believe it is 2020? Where did 2019 go? Actually, do you remember when we went from 1999 to the year 2000? It is incredible how fast 20 years flew by. I mention that because I remember how excited I was to change to a new millennium and now another decade has happened in a blink of an eye.
With that said, do you remember starting each year with such enthusiasm and a list of goals such as: losing 10 – 20 pounds, eating healthy, exercising daily, reading more books, seeing friends more, having better relationships, having better health, spending more time with God, reading the Bible daily, etc. However, it seems like every year, those same goals reappear, and nothing really has changed. It takes about a month or less before we fall back into our old routines and patterns of behavior and those goals fall by the way-side.
Let’s start by describing what is a goal. The Oxford Dictionary defines a goal as ‘the object of a person's ambition or effort; an aim or desired result’. Most people set too many goals at the beginning of the year and tend to feel overwhelmed. That is when they fall back into their old behaviors. Choosing one goal to start with is plenty. Goals should also be specific, measurable, and attainable. Saying, “I want to lose weight”, is too vague. However, I want to lose ten pounds in three to six months is more specific, measurable and attainable. The next question is how do I get there?
The theory goes if you can repeat a behavior over 21 days it becomes a habit. The problem is 21 days is a long time to be consistent on your own. So making a plan with someone who can be supportive and accountable to you is a great start.
That is why I title this article “A New Year…A Fresh Start.” One of the most important things is life is looking forward and not backwards. Not judging yourself for your past failures and instead looking forward with anticipation of changes that will be coming in your life.
The year 2019 was a self-awareness journey for me. I discovered many things about myself I never realized before. I learned to accept who I am and where I am in life. That God is in control of all areas of my life and I can live in ‘Faith Not Fear’. I also learned life is a journey and we are never stuck where we are. We just have to become curious about our life, what changes need to be made, and how to get there. As I mentioned earlier, you can’t get there on your own. You need a person to walk along-side you, encourage you, help you be accountable, and get you back on track when you fall back into old habits.
As a life coach, I can walk side-by-side with you on the journey to a better life for yourself. We all have problems and struggles in life, but it is how we walk through them and move forward that makes that difference.
In 2020, rather than setting goals the old way, I am looking at it as a ‘Fresh Start’. Each day is a fresh start. God says in the Lamentations 3:22-24, ‘Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness’. I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore, I will wait for him.” (NIV)
We are never alone on this journey. God is with us every day; however, if you don’t seek Him with your whole heart you will never find Him. He is constantly calling us and drawing us closer, but we allow too many distractions of the day and in our lives to hear Him. Another verse that helps us remember that He is with us but that it is our choice to let Him in is Revelation 3:20, ‘Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me’. (NIV)
God created this life for us. He wants us to have an abundant life. We, however, make our lives complicated and difficult. Isn’t it time for you to have a Fresh Start? Instead of making goals this year, begin the year with a Fresh Start with God.
Robert Morris is an incredible pastor of Gateway Church out of Texas. He has a Fresh Start Devotions for this year. It goes for 21 days. That is exactly the amount of time to create a healthy habit. Feeding your spirit is the first step to improving your life and having the life you always wanted.
God is calling you to Him. He wants you to experience His amazing love. As you make that choice to walk with Him, remember you can’t do it on your own. You need the support of others. I am here for you if you want to take that first step to creating a healthy, fulfilled, and abundant life you have always dreamt of.
Make a Fresh Start…Contact me for a free consultation and we will work together on a journey to change your life for the better. Make a Better You – A New Year…A Fresh Start!