"I'm going to finally lose that extra fifteen pounds," says one. "I'm going to improve my eating habits," says another. Who knows how many New Year's resolutions like these people have committed to over the past couple days?
What if we could make a resolution that would stick? What if we could make one that would matter to more than just ourselves?
The key to making something "stick" is to make it a habit. The best way to get rid of an old habit is to replace it with a new one. These are techniques that can be used for nearly any resolution, including my two hypotheticals above.
However, I would like to suggest that there is an additional principle that can be exploited to bring about results. This will only work, however, on the right kind of resolution. Just what is the right kind? It's the kind of resolution that resonates deep down inside of you, that transcends something "nice to" have and reaches toward "driven to" have. We are much more successful in life when we aim our actions along the sight-line of the higest picture we have of ourselves. In other words, we are the best at doing what we were built to do.
This takes us back to the consideration of destiny and what God-given talents we possess. The abilities we have, the inclinations we display, and the dreams we hold deep down inside are clues to what we were built to achieve. Each one of us has special gifts, abilities, and propensities that were designed in by our Creator. It is when we utilize these gifts, doing the things that make us feel "alive," that we are maximizing our potential. And finally, it is in these areas where we can most succesfully make resolutions and massive changes in results in our lives. Almost always, too, you'll discover that growth and achievement in these areas is a blessing to others. Our greatest aspirations almost always involve making a difference in the lives of other people, because happiness comes from serving.
FInd out what makes you come alive. Determine your particular strengths and abilities. Get clear on what you really desire to accomplish in your life. Then, make a resolution to start a new habit that will take you toward achievement in that area, replacing a destructive habit with a productive one.
It really is that simple. And it will be more stimulating than anything else you can do. Why? Because you were built to do what you were built to do.
So get on with it.
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