The New Year has begun, and I’m in the midst of organization and decluttering! Every year after the holidays as I assess my mess, I go through my closets, drawers and bins to purge the old and find new space for the beautiful gifts I have received this year. Many times it is just a matter of admitting I haven’t worn or used something in the past year, so why not pass it on and allow someone else to get use out of it.
It is also an excellent time to assess what worked or didn’t work this past year. Change can be uncomfortable, but it can also be rewarding because it shows me where I need to grow and improve in areas of my life to bring peace, joy, love and fulfillment to myself while being an example for others. How do you improve if you are not willing to take a hard, honest look at yourself?
Last year I set some short-term goals along with some long-term goals, and it was pretty useful for me. I took some time to write out my goals and even did a checklist for myself so that I could stay on task. It was rewarding when I knew I had completed my short-term goals and this process helped keep me on task to finish my long term goals. I wish I could say I was successful in achieving all my goals, but admitting my weaknesses has made me commit to being even more diligent in accomplishing my goals for 2017.
Last year for Christmas, I asked for the iBloom life and business planner after hearing about this product from my blogger friends. My daughter gave it to me for Christmas, and I love it! I am so excited because this planner does what I tried to accomplish for myself last year, but the work is already laid out and done. All I have to do is fill in the spaces. This planner made me answer some questions I hadn’t thought about for my business plan and helped me to create a vision and a daily plan. It is a great tool which will help me achieve my goals and help me keep my sanity!
In my last post, I shared my word for this year is diligent. When we are diligent in pursuing the things we want in various aspects of our lives, we can expect results. If you try to start a fire by making a spark over and over again, you will start a fire. It may not be today, but if you are diligent, it will happen. I’ve learned when I have been discouraged, scattered or overwhelmed; it is because there was diligence lacking somewhere in my life.
For example, I won’t be successful in being healthy if I’m not diligent about what I put or don’t put in my mouth. I can’t expect my book to launch itself if I’m not diligent about setting time aside to do re- writes, edits and market it. I can’t expect to hear from God if I’m not diligent about taking the time to listen. I’m sure you get the idea by now.
The point is if we don't know or define the truth for ourselves, we can't get upset or frustrated when we don't accomplish our goals because of lack of diligence Share on XThe point is if we don’t know or define the truth for ourselves, we can’t get upset or frustrated when we don’t accomplish our goals because of our lack of diligence. So what are some ways we can stay diligent?
Organize: To be diligent, you need to be organized. Whether it is your time or space if you aren’t willing to set-up, clean-up or commit to organizing yourself to meet your goals then chances are you will fail. Diligence means keeping your nose to the grindstone. Goals aren’t something done on a whim in a day. They take persistence, willpower, and stamina. You can’t afford to devote all your effort to something where you haven’t set up a system to succeed.
Invest: Pursuing diligence helps get the outcome you are seeking. There is nothing as rewarding as seeing a successful result when you have put the time and effort into accomplishing what you set out to do. The personal gratification is sweeter when you know what you have invested in getting where you are. Hard work and sacrifice can be costly and down-right painful at times, but the investment does pay off.
Resist Temptation: This one is a biggie. There is nothing worse than almost getting to your goal through hard work and diligence and then giving in to fear, tiredness, distraction, anger, and whatever else gets thrown in your way. It is hard when it seems everyone else around you is reaching their goals or well on their way and you seem to be sitting in cement. Remember, you are not them. You don’t know how much work they have done to get where they are. Don’t assume anything. Instead, cheer them on! Let it be your motivation to keep pursuing your goals with diligence.
Accountability: Ask someone to be your accountability partner. I’m not saying a “nag,” but someone who is willing to check in and ask you the hard questions. It would be even better if they are looking for someone to reciprocate on their behalf. Sometimes, it is just a matter of throwing the question out there to see if anyone is looking for an accountability partner. Being an accountability partner isn’t about making the other person responsible for making sure you reach your goal. An accountability partner is knowing you have asked someone to make you accountable towards your goal.
It doesn’t matter if your goal is physical, spiritual, emotional, financial, work-related, or school-related. You can apply it in every situation. I remember when I was young and learning to ride a bike. I was horrible. I could not keep my balance at all. Every time I’d start to pedal I would get a half turn and crash. My dad was patient, but he had taught me everything he could and the rest was up to me. I didn’t know it at the time, but these same principles were applied as I learned how to ride my bike.
- I learned if I put my bike on a little slope it gave me an advantage as I peddled. However, I had to get organized before I could do it.
- I had to be diligent and invest time. Other kids seemed to hop on their bikes and start riding right away. Me, not so much! However, my investment paid off eventually.
- I wanted to quit! I was so frustrated because I couldn’t get the knack of pedaling and keeping my balance for months! I was at a point I would have rather walked anywhere than ride that stupid bike.
- I knew my Dad was going to ask me when he got home from work if I had practiced riding my bike. I remember the day I couldn’t wait for him to get home so I could show him that I finally had learned to ride my bike. My goal was complete! He was proud, but I was even prouder because my diligence paid off.
I know not many of you are learning to ride a bike, but the lessons we learned long ago still stick with us. Whatever you are sorting out, assessing, learning and asking yourself, remember being diligent is key to your success in every area of your life. May your diligence give you a sweet reward!
Excellent, Sheila! Than ks for the tips! Love you!
Hi,Peggy!
Thank You for your encouragement! I miss my Indiana family! I hope all is well with you and EJ! Love you too!
Great post! I totally agree with resisting temptation as it diverts your mind and makes you feel less-skilled!
Hi, Ana!
It truly is all about distraction. When we get distracted and lose focus it sets us back everytime. The important thing is to regain focus and keep pushing forward! Blessings!
This is such a brilliant tips! When I do making realistic goals, it should be achieve or I’m making my own way to achieve it.
Dana~
Thank You! There is nothing better than knowing you have succeeded in meeting a goal you set for yourself! Pressing in and Pressing on!Blessings!
Diligence and persistence are the key to accomplishing what you want! I think accountability is a big one for me! I need to set up tasks and be accountable to other people because that’s how I get things done.
These are great tips. For me, I definitely need to stay organize and hold myself accountable.
Hi Roxy!
I am agreement with you! I struggle with those same things, but because I am aware of my weaknesses, I am much better! You will get there too!
I get off track and I hate that. I need to get better organized and less distracted.
Hi, Valerie! We all get off track, but the important thing is to hop back on that track when you know you have derailed. 🙂 Blessings!
Great tips. If people took as much time to follow through as the do to think of them they would have great success.
Hi Rose~ Thank You and Yes, we do have to follow-through if we expect to be successful. Sometimes, it is a matter of priorities.
These are truly good tips, I have been resisting temptation and it’s working I just need to consistent now.
Yes, Delaine! I call it my BIG “T.” Resisting temptation is key! Goals are hard but never having anything to achieve, would be incredibly boring and a waste of your gifts to those in your sphere of influence
I think accountability is key for achieving my goals. These are really great tips and really like the point where you say invest in yourself.
Hi Debonita! I agree accountability is key! The honesty, integrity build beautiful relationships!
I really enjoy these types of posts sharing our goals. I just wrote what for what I want out of 2017- reminds me what I want! Thank you for sharing 🙂
Hi, Emily! These tips were so important for me last year so I decided to share them with everyone! Thanks for your encouragement!
Your list is so good & influential! Thank you!
Hi, Marcy!
Thank You! I hope you will be able to benefit from my tips! Blessings!
I love your blog. Very inspiring. I tweeted your defining yourself quote. Very cool.
Thank You so much! I appreciate the encouragement! Sometimes, blogging can be hard, but then you receive a beautiful compliment and it keeps you going!
These are great tips. Having an accountability partner is a wonderful support system to have when accomplishing goals.
Hi Tasheena! I feel an accountability partner is key! It is a great support system and allows us the opportunity to share the wins and get back on the right track when we have wandered.
Yes, I am working on organizing better. I’m not the best at it, so I’m working hard to improve.
Hi, Amber! Every step forward is progress. It isn’t about the size of the step, but more important about the change in our heart and attitude!Blessings and Happy New Year!
Everyday, left and right these are always a temptation to our goals. Its up to us how we awesome we can avoid these temptation. And how strong we can resists.
Hi, Blair! Yes, the bib “T” is huge. When we overcome, we reap incredible benefits!
This is so true and I could definitely use these pointers as reminder when goal-setting this year. The last one is most important – you need to be accountable for your own actions so that any effort you’re doing now is helping to achieve your goal.
Hi, Abby! Thanks for sharing. Yes, if we aren’t accountable for our actions then we can’t hold other people accountable for their actions in not reaching their goals.Blessings on you and your goals!
There is so much encouragement to start something right now. Thanks for the reminder to actually finish it!
Hi Tara!
Wow! It is easy to start something, but the true reward comes when we finish it! I’m so thankful Jesus finished what He started so we can live in freedom from the grave. Blessings and Happy New Year!
This a an useful list of tips! Having an accountability partner is so crucial in goal setting.
Hi, Jewels!
I agree! An accountability partner is key in goal setting! Sometimes, it is hard. but well worth it for your desired outcome. Thanks for your comments!
Most wait till spring to declutter but I’m trying to get ahead of things!
Hi, Marie!
Me too! When Spring comes I want to be able to say I have done my work and I can get outside to enjoy the great weather! Good luck in getting ahead of things!!!!
These are all great goals. I have been meaning to do some goals and here we are almost mid January and I didnt do it yet
The good news is it is never too late to set some goals. Even if they are short-term goals, it’s great to have that feeling of accomplishment. Blessings to you!
We have to know what our goals are first
Yes, we do! God always wants our best and just as God is a God of order we need to make sure things are in order in our own lives too! Thanks for always encouraging!
Sheila, thank you so much for sharing these things. I really need to be reminded over and over and over. I actually wrote these down in my calendar so I can remember. I know I have the capacity to be diligent, but so often I let distractions impede my progress. I appreciate your words and they were just what I need to hear today. – Amy
http://stylingrannymama.com/
Hi Amy!,
I didn’t get to comment on your latest post, but I will! It is all about putting on the Armor of God isn’t it? Last night and I read your post I thought that is the ultimate goal, putting on the Armor of God daily. This is how we will meet every goal when we are diligent to His Word! I get distracted too, it is a battle, but with God our victory is won! Blessings sweet friend! So thankful we have connected!
I love this! Resisting temptation is my biggest problem. My goal is weight loss, and temptation to food is always there!
Hi Madison, I can relate to the weight loss, it is a constant battle of mine, but when I do set goals for myself the temptation becomes less no matter the issue. Sister, I will be praying for you and myself as we face the scales together. Being a healthier version of ourselves is always a great thing! Blessings to you!