A new year with some new resolutions? I know, pretty predicable right…
To be honest, I’ve never really been one to make new year’s resolutions. They always seemed kind of pointless to me. I figured, if you need to change something, why not do it in July or September…what’s so special about January 1st?
Beyond that, all you need to do is read the statistics on how often those resolutions are kept—the numbers don’t paint a pretty picture.
And for all you “resolution proponents” out there that have actually made and kept your resolutions—CONGRATULATIONS! You’re part of the 1%’rs…
Yes, I’ve never been one to make new year’s resolutions…until this year.
The Dentist Changes Everything
Shortly after the calendar rolled over to 2013 I found myself taking my oldest daughter to the dentist. Unfortunately, it wasn’t for a simple cleaning.
Because of a breathing treatment drug that she takes (not because we’re horrible parents), she had developed cavities and an abscess. A tooth extraction, fillings and a crown. It was good fun.
As I sat in the “staging area” rocking her, I suddenly got this biting urge to reminisce. I’m not exactly sure what spawned it but it gripped me.
Interestingly enough, the thoughts weren’t about how many action items I wanted to add to my checklist of pursuits. They were more about what I needed to remove. I liken it to the looming tooth pulling event.
You see my 2012 was one of drastic changes. There was a change in careers, that lead to working remotely, which meant more family time, deeper relationships, and on you go…
They were all fantastic developments that I wouldn’t change for the world!
So why would I want to remove anything from such a great upswing in my life?
A Taste of Something Sweet
My small and seemingly insignificant little epiphone reminded me that, when you get a taste of the good stuff, you don’t want anything else.
My schedule had allowed me to see my kids off to school and tuck them in at night. Although I like to maintain regular office hours, I now had real flexibility in my day.
My wife could actually pop in to the office for a kiss any time…not just as I raced out of the house in the morning or as we dropped in to bed at night.
Even my faith got a fresh injection in to what had become a stale routine.
I had gotten the chance to grow deeper, not just wider.
As a result, I’ve gotten hungry to search for unnecessary frills and execute them on the spot. I admit I’m still a work in progress.
A Little Encouragement
I realize that not everyone finds their way in to my circumstances. But that doesn’t mean that you couldn’t use some “tooth pulling” yourself.
Let me encourage you in a few small steps…
- Ruthlessly pull out the weeds. We all have clutter in our life. The useless things that distract us. So, if it’s television, shut it off. If it’s your phone, put it down. If it’s an abused hobby, cut back.
- Protect your family time with your life. As oblivious as we are at times, we can’t afford for our families to slip through the cracks. Eat dinner together, run errands together, take your kids to the park, date your spouse.
- Schedule time for growth and reflection. For me this includes spending time in daily bible study and prayer. Think deeply about your life and be honest with yourself when you don’t like what you see.
- Make small changes. An overnight overhaul is rarely going to be successful. Take small steps towards change and when those changes take hold, prepare yourself for the next fight.
How about you?
Did you make some new year’s resolutions this year? Are you succeeding? Failing?
Maybe years past have brought you wisdom that you want to share?
Let us know what’s on your mind!