Failed New Year Resolutions
| Published: 4th March 2008 15:01 |
Failed New Year Resolutions
Many people make New Year resolutions because they want to change some aspect of their life. The start of a new year seems to spur us on to try and be the sort of person we would like to be. Resolutions typically involve eating and drinking less, taking more exercise, stopping smoking and spending more time with friends or family. But sometimes they can be more specific and grander - to climb Everest or to swim the British Channel! Whatever it is it shows a real desire we have inside us to make the most of this life and improve ourselves.
So why does research suggest that 80% of resolutions are broken by January 31st? There are many reasons why this happens, but one factor could be that when we fail to follow through with a resolution we usually only let ourselves down. That little voice whispers excuses to us - cannot find the time, stress at work, stress at home, it's too difficult, we can always start next year etc. The most successful resolutions are those where failure means we let many people down or the ones we love. This really turns a resolution into a promise!
Following the loss of his mother to cancer, a friend of mine was determined to run the London Marathon to raise money for a cancer charity. It was a personal resolution, but it became a promise to others - he registered with the charity, made his application to the marathon organisers and then told hundreds of people he was going to do it. This didn't make the challenge any easier to do, but it did make it almost impossible not to do! He went on to complete the marathon in an enviable time and raised thousands of pounds.
We can do the same thing with losing weight, eating healthier or getting fitter. Turn it into a promise by telling people about it, writing it down and sharing it with those you love. We will still face the temptations along the way - the same little voice will still be whispering that it is okay to have a bit of what you fancy, or to skip the gym session today. That's when telling God about your resolution might be the final thing that makes it happen, we can then take His advice on temptation and apply it.
1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.
Although this passage is talking about temptation to sin, we can apply it to all forms of temptation. It tells us that God will provide a way out; it does not say we will not be tempted. It is all about finding a way out. So, as the old adage goes "next time you want a chocolate cake eat a carrot". In other words find an alternative way of satisfying your need or desire. It also helps if we reduce our exposure to the temptation. If you give up alcohol, don't go into a pub. If you give up clothes shopping to reduce debt, don't go to the mall.
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