5 Tips for Writing a New Year's Resolution

How many New Year's resolutions have you heard? This is the one time of year that people resolve to change something about their lives, whether it's removing a bad habit or adding a good one. To help you, here are a few tips about creating a good New Year's resolution:

1. Why are you doing it?

You need to know why you are doing it. For example, a resolution to work out more might be good and even important. But why? What are you working out for? For health's sake? Because "you should"? Or do you get so tired after work/school that you have no energy to devote to your family and/or to ministry? Maybe you need to have the goal of family or ministry and see working out as a needed step to achieve that. Whatever it is, you need to know why you have the resolution.

2. Is it doable?

Sometimes people make these so difficult that they burn out. Don't burn out. I get that you want to stretch yourself and your goal is really not so difficult. It might not be difficult, but your experience should tell you that we overestimate ourselves too often. Take baby steps toward your ultimate goal. If your goal is to be healthier, don't suddenly cut out all junk food, work out 7 days a week, and eat only vegetables. Make sure you can actually do it. Start by cutting junk food intake by a little bit, keep that up for a few months, then cut it again. Multiple baby steps are much better than one failed big step. Sure it won't sound as cool when you tell people, but are you trying to do it or to sound impressive?

3. Is it measurable?

People tell me they want to get closer to God. Okay, but what does that look like? How do you measure it? Business and financial books talk about measurability as something that can be quantitatively analyzed. Start setting measurable goals for getting closer with God. For example, you can start by timing your quiet time. If you don't have regular quiet time now, then start by setting a timer and making sure you do at least 5 minutes a day. Increase it after a week to 10 minutes. Then keep that for a month. The point is to be able to look back and say that you have for sure achieved your goal. Don't worry about whether you actually will get closer to God, just put in the time and let God do the rest.

4. Does anyone know?

Accountability is the key to success. I come from an honor-shame culture. When I say something, I am honor-bound to see it through. The more people I tell about my resolution, the more I will likely do it because the more ashamed I will be if I don't. My advice to you: Shout your resolution from the rooftops. The point is, give someone the permission to encourage you on your resolution and call you out when you stop trying (see Galatians 6:1-2).

5. Does it affect anyone other than yourself?

Lastly, what is the point of your resolution? Is it merely for you to feel better about yourself? Is it self-improvement? I have no interest in writing self-help books because they are too self-centered for my taste. Philippians 2:4 tells us, "Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others." Ask yourself, how does your resolution affect those around you? Those you love? For Christians, how does your resolution actually affect the kingdom of God? When you start doing things for the sake of others, you'll find that everything becomes a lot more fulfilling.

So after reading this, what is your New Year's resolution? And have I missed an important sixth point? Please tell me in the comments.