I LIke Lists

I like lists. I like to make them, but I really like to cross things off the list when they're successfully completed. And the bustle and busyness of Christmas means lots of planning: what to buy, wrap, cook, clean, call, visit, mail and return. Whether it's a grocery list or Saturday errands, marking things off the list means satisfaction and success. And after a day of waiting in line or sitting in traffic, I can look at that rumpled, marked-up paper and think to myself, "I did all that. I ... Am ... Awesome."

Those lists are really plans. Simple plans, the best kind! This time of year is the perfect opportunity to make another kind of list, a list of goals or maybe we'll call them "New Year's Resolutions." After jumping the hurdle to Christmas, I'm ready to slow down a little and think about what the new year should be like, or maybe more importantly, what I should be like in the new year. Of course, we could resolve to improve ourselves any day of the year, but there's just something about a fresh calendar that means a world of possibility.

If you're like me, your resolutions usually follow a few common themes: lose weight, pay off debt, exercise more, complain less (maybe that's just me). So this year, I will again make some resolutions, but I'd really like to reach the goals set. I'm not sure if there's a support group like List Makers Anonymous, but I should probably look into it. Still, here's what I'm calling:

A Few Resolutions Tips (yes, in list form)
1. Keep it simple
While I could easily build a list of 100 things to change, I won't. One thing just leads to another thing, and sometimes I'd really like to change the second thing, but all the work of the first wears me out. Of course, the idea of all the work to get to my real problem overwhelms me and I decide to eat ice cream instead. This year, I'm going to focus on beginning at the beginning with simple goals.

2. Be realistic
My confession: I want it all, and I want it now. Do you know anyone else like that? So, while I do desperately need to lose lots and lots of weight, I probably won't be able to do that in the approximately three weeks that I will stick with my new diet and exercise plan for the year. Unless I'm realistic about what I can accomplish, I'm just setting myself up for failure. Again.

3. Leave room for something new
A couple of years ago, I was a little tired of building goals that I could never reach and decided to add a fun goal: buy more shoes. Silly? Maybe, but I did it. I learned that improving me doesn't always have to mean giving something up. Maybe you've always been interested in photography (or cooking or ballroom dancing). Resolve to find the time for one class. Resolutions always seem so serious. Leave a little room for fun, too, in the new you.

4. Remember what's important.
Making resolutions is pretty "I" centered. You focused on things you'd like to change about you, but here's something else to remember: it's not about you. Sure, you need at be the best you possible, but never forget why you're here. Keep your eyes open. In Isaiah 43:19, the Lord says, "See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland." Maybe there's someone in your family or your church or your workplace who needs your time, encouragement, or just to know what's different about you. Is this the year to go on a mission trip or volunteer or lead a class? Watch to see where God is working and join him. Leave room on your list for God's goals, the work that HE's prepared for you.

Now I think I'm ready to make my list of resolutions. Are you? If you'd like to see how mine are coming along and whether I can follow my own tips, visit me at It's Not About Cheryl.