There is something about the New Year that makes everything seem so fresh and so clean.We make resolutions – a commitment to a personal goal,project,or the reforming of a habit.Truth is,there is actually nothing magical that happens when the clock strikes midnight between December 31 and Jan 1.Once the reality of time(a move from one Gregorian calendar year into another) sets in,the majority of resolutions to change in the ‘new year’ eventually end up in the sea of forgetfulness even before the year runs midway.

According to Wikipedia: Research shows that while 52% of participants in a resolution study were confident of success with their goals, only 12% actually achieved their goals. A separate study in 2007 by Richard Wisemen from the University of Bristol showed that 78% of those who set New Year resolutions fail… Men achieved their goal 22% more often when they engaged in goal setting, (a system where small measurable goals are being set; such as, a pound a week, instead of saying “lose weight”), while women succeeded 10% more when they made their goals public and got support from their friends.’

I personally am not a keen fan of New Year resolutions. I believe in having and writing down your vision;setting achievable,short and long term goal statements (an investment in myself that clearly identifies what I want, how I will get it, and when I will get it.).Some may seem unrealistic to folks around.The resources to propel the vision may not be momentarily available but the desire to pursue is enough allow you come out a success everytime

Resolving to start or stop doing something as a New Year resolution is never enough.It would have little value if we are not motivated enough to work at actually stopping or starting what we desire to. Whatever we intend to achieve in life must not be limited to a New Year resolution.It must rather be backed by a continuous, clearly defined vision and goal which should be in accordance with God’s will. If it is GOD’S WILL for something to be fulfilled, He will enable you fulfil it resolution or not!

Jesus in His prayer always had reverent submission to the Father’s will .Even though He had desires of His own and knew what He wanted,God’s will came first. Matthew 26:39, 42 :’39 And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.’’42He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done.’

I assure you there is every chance you will fail when you make New Year resolutions.As the freshness of the year passes out, so do the resolutions easily fade along.They gradually drift away like a land eroded by the sea and soon the ‘New Year new you ‘fire quenches.

Having an unlimited vision backed by God’s will and aiming to accomplish it however will continue to increase our fire thus giving us the tenacity to stand through trials and challenges. Even though it tarries, we hold on fast and wait ,for surely we know ,the vision would come to pass.

” Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, That he may run who reads it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time; But at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.”Habakuk 2:2-3

Which would you settle for- A New Year resolution or having an on-going defined vision?

Happy New Year!
©Adja A.R Dibassey 2011

References:www.wikipedia.com,The Nelson Study Bible(NKJV)