Isn't strange that everyone makes such big goals for themselves when the new year rolls around and most don't hold to those goals past the month of January?
Something is wrong with us (myself included). Why don't we hold to these brilliant goals we make each year? I will tell you what I've discovered in myself as to why.
Each person wants to be better. "Goals reflect the desires of our hearts and our vision of what we can accomplish" (Preach My Gospel, 146). Desire is a really important step in goal setting, but I don't think it is the most important. I know when I set a goal, it is usually something that will improve me-spiritually, physically, with relationships. These goals have good intent. That is NOT enough. You have to be able to set a goal that is reachable. We must be specific and realistic. Yes, we need to step out of comfortable zone just a bit to really "improve" ourselves, but we need to realize that sometimes we need to start small. We someone says, "I want to lose weight this year," they aren't be specific nor are they starting small. The best goal with the example of losing weight is, "I am going to lose 5 pounds by the end of February by jogging everyday and cutting back on Dr Pepper." Very specific, and very obtainable. I have always set such big goals for myself, but I also always forget to start out small to reach those big goals. "Keep it simple, Stupid."
Along with making small goals, there is a poem I read on my dear friend Heather's blog that really inspired me. I am always making goals to be different and change myself. What really needs to happen for me is realizing how I already am, a Daughter of God, and improving that rather than add something or change something about me. Yes, exceptions may apply such as "Don't get so upset when your husband is playing video games," but things like that just help your true potential to shine. God intended to make you just how you are. You don't need to change. Maximize yourself by becoming healthy, physically and spiritually, but don't worry about what others think. LOVE YOURSELF.
Here is the poem that Heather so kindly posted. I love it, and like her, I plan on using it to my advantage to make 2011 a fresh start.
Discontent
Down in a field, one day in June,
The flowers all bloomed together
Save one, who tried to hide herself,
And drooped, that pleasant weather.
A robin who had flown too high ,
And felt a little lazy,
Was resting near this buttercup
Who wished she were a daisy.
The daisies grow so trig and tall!
She always had a passion
For wearing frills around her neck,
In just the daisies' fashion.
And buttercups must always be
The same old tiresome color,
While daisies dress in gold and white,
Although their gold is duller.
"Dear robin," said this sad young flower,
"Perhaps you'd not mind trying
To find a nice white frill for me
Some day, when you are flying?"
"You silly thing!" the robin said,
"I think you must be crazy.
I'd rather be my honest self
Than any made-up daisy."
"You're nicer in your own bright gown;
The little children love you;
Be the best buttercup you can,
And think no flower above you."
"Though swallows leave me out of sight,
We'd better keep our places.
Perhaps the world would all go wrong
With one too many daisies."
"Look bravely up into the sky,
And be content with knowing
That God wished for a buttercup
Just here, where you are growing."
-Sarah Orne Jewett
