It’s that time of year again when people make New Year’s Resolutions and don’t keep them.
“Lose 20 pounds by July.”
…..“Start a new business and become independently wealthy.”
………………………………..“Organize my closet alphabetically and color code.”
……………………………………………………………………………………………“Quit smoking, again.”
I’m poking a little fun here, but these are all admirable goals. The problem isn’t that they cannot be accomplished, but that we aren’t always serious when we make them. And sometimes we aren’t always making New Year’s Resolutions about the things which are the most important to our lives.
First, most of us want things, but we are not always that willing to do what it takes in order to accomplish them. We want to lose weight as long as it doesn’t require any exercise! That would be why they sell so many diet pills. We want to make more money, but we aren’t willing to invest in the things that will teach us how to get there. That’s why there are so many “Get Rich Quick” programs on the internet and Marketing Gurus on Twitter. Life’s not quite as challenging in many ways as it used to be and we prefer everything delivered in a nano second.
Additionally, sometimes we are so overwhelmed with the things the world feels are important that they obscure the the things that are really important. Here are the most popular New Year’s Resolutions:
1. Lose Weight
2. Manage Debt
3. Save Money
4. Better Job
5. Get Fit
6.Better Education
7. Drink Less
8. Quit Smoking
9.Reduce Stress
10. Take a Trip
Was your New Year’s Resolution in there and was it the same the year before? It’s interesting to me that among the top ten isn’t something like: get closer to God, read my Bible daily, do something for others, help others come to the saving knowledge of Christ, heal my marriage, build closer relationships with family, spend time with my children, help my neighbors…
When asked what is most important in life, most people will say God, children, marriage, friendships, etc. So why the disconnect in what most folks want to accomplish in the next 12 months? When we die, we won’t be content to look back having left behind a legacy of thinness, smokeless-ness and wealth. We want to look back on our lives and see the lives we’ve touched. We want to see what we have done for the Kingdom of God. We want to know that our children have fond memories and ideals we have taught them. We want to leave behind a legacy of memories that can only be created by strong relationships.
What most people don’t realize is that a strong relationship cannot be built or enjoyed without good communication skills. You cannot have a relationship with someone without communicating with them. So this year, as you think about your New Year’s Resolutions, please consider not just what you need or want, but what you can build. Consider the legacy you want to leave behind. Consider how you can build that legacy through strong, close relationships with your spouse, children, friends, neighbors, co workers and family members. Consider spending a little time, effort and perhaps even a wee bit of money to accomplish these most important things in your life.
We believe that one of the best ways to do that is to invest in yourself (in your education) that will allow you to strengthen these important relationships. Check out Art of Eloquence before you make those New Year’s Resolutions and see how we can help you achieve the MOST important resolutions of all: Stronger Relationships!
Happy New Year from the Art of Eloquence family to yours!
