Last week I had time to read quite a few blogs on New Year’s Resolutions. Some bloggers believe it’s good to make them, and others say no. Michael Hyatt says that 25% of those who make New Year’s Resolutions will give up in just a week. Fewer than half will still be making progress by summer and only 8% will be successful. Follow through is hard work.

I really don’t like the word resolution. However, I do like one of its synonyms. It’s the word intention. The dictionary definition says that intention is an aim that guides. It’s something that’s done with purpose. I know there are things that I want to be more intentional about in 2016. As a Life Coach I came up with some questions for myself that I wanted answered. I spent two hours one afternoon last week putting together a plan that is already helping me move forward in areas of my life that are the most important: spiritual, physical, relational, ministry, and work related. I asked:

• What do I need to change?
• What do I need to let go of?
• What do I need to keep?
• Who do I want to get to know better and how can I make that happen?
• What can I do to help those who are in need?
• What can I do to make sure I get the needed amount of sleep?
• What do I need to do to stay consistent in exercise?
• How can I eat healthier?
• What plan can I make that will help me learn more about the things in which I’m most passionate?
• What can I do to laugh more?

The first question is the one that took the most time to answer. I knew what needed to be addressed and it was painful. I’d been putting it off. It’s the way I manage my time. I can’t improve in many of the other areas if I’m not managing my time well. I laid out a plan and I’m seeing progress. This year I will get more things done that  bring joy, freedom, fulfillment, and purpose.

Be careful how you live-not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity. Ephesians 5:15,16