I Think This Is A Better Alternative to Resolutions
Insights:
The New Year begins in three days. I want you to consider not making a New Year’s resolution this year. Maybe you have made one every year as far back as you can remember. I have made a bunch over the years too. The problem with my past resolutions is that they did not stick. Some were probably unrealistic in the first place and others I was not really committed to.
Research shows that most Americans have given up on their resolution before January ends. Why put yourself through that? Why do something that has little chance of succeeding? None of us want to fail, right? So here is your alternative. Develop a new habit. One that will be good for you.
Maybe you decide to start brushing your teeth every day. My dentist says I would not believe the number of people that don’t do that. Maybe the new habit is to pray every morning. Invite God into your day. Ask Him to guide you and help you in whatever you are doing. Add a prayer for your marriage and your family. What about reading just one verse in the Bible every day? Seriously, it will make a difference. Say you happen to read James 1:19, “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” That one verse applied to your life could be a game changer. The idea is to find something that will really enrich your life. The things I mentioned will make your life better.
Research says it takes 21 days to make something a habit. So after brushing your teeth every day for 21 days, brushing your teeth becomes a habit. Plus, you will get the bonus of people actually wanting to talk to you face to face. Praying and reading a verse every day will make your life better for the 21 days and then it will become a habit for you for the rest of your life. Giving up chocolate or going on a crash diet are resolutions. They may make your life better for a day or two but you will soon kick those resolutions to the curb. Here’s your challenge. Pick one thing that will enrich your life. Do it everyday for 21 days. Now you have a new habit that will make your life better.
Questions For You To Think About:
What were some of your past New Year’s resolutions?
How long did you keep working on them?
What is one habit you could begin that would make a difference in your life?
2 Minute Drill
What is being “unequally yoked” all about in marriage?
Quick Hits:
This Week’s Quote: Nick Vujicic
Nick Vujicic is an Australian-American born without arms or legs who has become a world-renowned speaker, New York Times best-selling author, coach and entrepreneur. He is the founder and CEO of the non-profit ministry “Life Without Limbs.” He and his wife Kanae have four children.
Often people ask how I manage to be happy despite having no arms and no legs. The quick answer is that I have a choice. I can be angry about not having limbs, or I can be thankful that I have a purpose. I chose gratitude.
I know for certain that God does not make mistakes, but he does make miracles. I am one. You are, too.
This Week’s Trivia Question
How many versions of the Times Square New Year's Eve Ball have there been to date?
This Week’s Did You Know
Coca-Cola played a part in Santa's image. Before Coca-Cola decided to use his image for advertising, Santa's looks tended more toward spooky than jolly. Then, in 1931, the beverage company hired an illustrator named Haddon Sundblom to depict the jolly old elf for magazine ads. Now, kids see visions of sugarplums instead of having Santa-themed nightmares.
Something To Talk About!
Would You Rather: See ten years into the future or travel back 100 years?
Awesome Marriage This week
AM Podcast: Winter Break
The Awesome Marriage Podcast is on its annual winter break. If you want a great episode to listen to during the break, check out the encouraging conversation I got to have with Bob Goff in Episode 481! Cultivating Curiosity & Courage with Special Guest Bob Goff | Ep. 481
AM YouTube Channel: Don’t Make a New Year’s Resolution This Year
Check out this week's vlog and I will tell you why!
AM YouVersion Plan: One Thing To Grow Your Marriage Each Day
One of our most popular resources at Awesome Marriage is our One Thing email, which we send each weekday. In it you can find one thing you can do each day to grow your marriage. This 31 day plan gives you an opportunity to try out the One Thing and then sign up to get them sent to your inbox the rest of the year.
This Week’s Trivia Answer:
Seven!