By KeAna Lampkins
When I was a kid, every new year’s eve, my mom would make us write down our news years resolutions. As I grew up, I grew to appreciate this tradition because it fostered the importance of creating goals and having a vision for my life. However, over time I realized that I was repeating the same goals every year without seeing very little growth or, in some cases, none at all. Think about the goals you create, and by the end of the year, you worked on it maybe two months throughout the entire year. We all make jokes about how the gym is jam-packed within the first month of a new year and dwindles somewhere near May or even March.
But the root of these conditions isn’t the lack of vision but the lack of preparing and planning. Many of us are motivated to change. But we lack the means to change said behavior. If your goal is to eat healthier, you should have a plan in place on how you are going to reach that goal. Are you going to meal prep? If not, are you going to eat at only healthy restaurants? Having a goal is good; it shows you have motivation for change. But changing habits is challenging and requires focus, preparation, follow-through, and accountability.
I’m sure you already have some thoughts on your resolutions or your goals for 2021. Even if you don’t, you may have some things you know you don’t want to bring with you or things you know you need to change. I know I love vision boards. But before you start with the pen and paper. Look at your goals for 2020. Did you accomplish them? Why or why not? If you were unable to meet your goals, evaluate why. Was it due to a lack of motivation? Or lack of preparation and planning?
This article isn’t about writing down your goals or even changing the habits. It’s about preparing yourself to do the work you want to do. Spend some time evaluating this year. Did you have any tremendous obstacles that you had to overcome this year? If so, how did you do it? Is there anything you do differently? Is there anything you learned about yourself?
To be intentional about the goals we want to set for ourselves requires us to know ourselves. We need to work on where we want to go spiritually, financially, professionally, socially, and mentally. This kind of work takes a lot of personal assessment. To have goals, you have to have a vision for your life. But to bring that vision to pass, you have to be aware of your strengths, your challenges, and things that might get in the way. Take some time to reflect on this year before it’s over. So when 2021 starts, you are ready to take it on head first!
Ke’Ana Lampkins is a contributing writer for The Pedestal Project, LLC. Ke’Ana is a Christian, wife, and mother dedicated to empowering young girls and women through counseling, mentorship, and education. Connect with her on Instagram @Beautifully_Yanni.
The Pedestal Project 