Restart Those Resolutions!
Are you on track or faltering?
I so wanted a different story to tell you but I’m already faltering in my New Year’s resolutions.
My first goal for 2020 was to abstain from chocolate for 30 days. Let me tell you how that worked. Girlfriend, it’s embarrassing! I fulfilled the letter of the law, I’ve had no chocolate. Instead, I had VANILLA pudding, strawberry shakes, and sugar laden coffee drinks.
My second goal was to exercise a little bit every weekday. Well, I sorta did this. But, a couple days, I counted grocery shopping or laundry as my exercise.
My third goal was to fast between meals (which is a fancy way of saying no snacking). This is a lot harder than I thought it would be. I legitimized that if I didn’t CHEW, it wasn’t eating. It’s amazing what you can smash up enough with your tongue to swallow.
Take thoughts captive.
Once you fail, the temptation is powerful to chuck the exercise program, writing project, savings plan, home renovation or diet to the curb in utter defeat.
It’s hard to overcome the voice in your head that says … You’ll never win. Nothing will change. This will never work. Give up!
I hear those same recordings my head, but we don’t have to cave. Instead of letting those unholy voices lock up our hearts and enthusiasm, put them in lock down. Take every thought captive,
confess, forgive yourself and start over.
Hit reset and restart!
I didn’t hit the mark, but today, I’m hitting the reset button! Taking thoughts captive. Confessing and forgiving myself. Starting over. Focusing on what went well. Just like my heroes in the Bible who faltered and reset.
- Peter got a second chance when God recommissioned him in John 21.
- Paul was called out and given a new start in Acts 9.
- Jonah got a reset when he restarted to Nineveh in Jonah 3
Hard as it is, let’s stop beating ourselves up for not making the mark. As long as we’re in the pit of
discouragement and focused on failure, we are not in the frame of mind to reset, refocus or restart.
Focus on victories.
I didn’t fulfill my goals, but I did have some wins. I didn’t eat chocolate but even with my snitching, I ate much less sugar calories than I would have without the goal. The exercise I did manage to do has me touching my toes instead of avoiding any full length mirrors. My clothes fit better, my skin looks less pasty, and I feel good. It’s enough to get me to Reset. Refocus. Restart.
I can’t wait to hear how you’re doing. Leave me a comment and let me know if you’re on track or ready for a reset.
2 Corinthians 10:4-5 says, “The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. (NIV)
My Resolution is not to obstain from treats or other vices.
My Resolution reads
No More:
Could’ve Should’ve Would’ve
Think: Can Shall Will
Do Did Done!
My Resolution is to reduce regrets. I spent 2018 driving by friends and family homes thinking I should stop in.
December 15 2018 I lost an Aunt. I had said to myself several times that I should stop and see her. Then it was too late. So in 2019 and again in 2020 I resolve to not put things off. Stop by and say hi. Pick up the phone and call. But reach out often and have fewer regrets.
Wow, that’s so powerful … and relatable. We always think there’ll be enough time to catch up. Thanks for posting Cathy. I know I’m not the only one who will give ponder that.
Blessings to you.
Thank you Robyn – I always enjoy your posts and insights!
Aw, thanks for writing that Wendy. I appreciate your encouragement.
I kept my resolution simple which is a word positivity. I mean I have a vision board with many things I want to accomplish for the month, but i will remain positive if my mark isnt hit.
Jennicee- That is true wisdom. Way to go.
My word this season is bouyant. Not letting little things sink me.
I started a new Bible reading plan. So far I am on track. Of course it’s just 5 days into the new year. I have 360 days to go. And with God on my side I am confident that I will make.
Way to go Ramona! Proud of you! Stay the course!
I too have failed. Just made brownies..sending them to work with hubby..but I did eat some. I didn’t set the goals. But as Lamentations tells me that His mercies are new every morning. I must take every idle thought captive. I’m retired and babysitting a great-Grandie. Stuck in the house with a 3 month old that is too heavy for my arthritic body to be mobile with. I will stay the course and set achievable small goals that will help me gain the momentum I need to not feel like I’ve failed again. I must summon His strength. Thanks for your transparency so I could see myself in your shoes. Love you!
Hi Sue,
God bless you for watching that little great-grand. I love your game plan for small goals and leaning in on God’s strength. Sounds like a winning plan.
The first Monday of the year…this is my reset day too. No snacking between meals was a goal of mine and it’s hard!
Robyn, what is your speaking fee for about 45 minutes at a Mother/Daughter banquet?
Hi Julie,
Glad I’m not alone in the snack battle. 🙂
Email me at robyn@chanceec.sg-host.com about the banquet. I’d love to come and I’m sure we can come up with a plan. I’d need to know where the banquet would be held (city/state) and the date/time you have in mind.
I started a 40 day sugar fast… geez sugar withdrawal is real…but so far so good..but today is only day 6. And it’s still early…
Aaargh! That’s amazing Dawn. So proud of you! Thanks for the inspiration!
Thank you Robyn. I do feel like a failure sometimes, especially when it comes to weight loss.
Ugh, so true, What a battle! I’m praying for victory in that battle for your health.
I don’t do New Year’s resolutions. I try to make good decisions on a daily basis, and with the help of God speaking to my heart it works. Remember Romans 8:1……no condemnation Robyn, so eating chocolate is not a sin. You just have to stop at one piece. Everything in moderation. I feel so much better if I don’t eat sugar so it’s not a temptation for me, plus I lived with a diabetic for forty six years so got used to less sweets. Enjoy your blogs!!!
What great advice, Ruth. Thanks for posting.
I’ve decided 2020 is about me taking care of the temple of God (body) this includes taking my meds, making the choice to eat better and being more active. I’m 48 and it’s time to get it together. Yes I’ve had to hit that reset, redo button BUT thank you Lord that everyday is a new day with new grace and new blessings ??
Thank you I needed this
Hi!
You “missing the mark” or cheating as I have done, hit home with me! I will do well with trying to cut out sweets & snacks for a few days then I cheat a little. But like you said at least we are cutting back on more sugar than we used to consume! So I will hit the restart button again & press on!
I love reading your stories & the humor you add to them. You encourage all of us!
Thanks so much Brenda. We’re in this together. 🙂