Hebrews 12: 2; 2 Timothy 4: 7-8; Luke 14: 28-31

Having been around for so many years, you’ll concur a new year typically comes with a lot of excitement! It’s not quite clear if this excitement is based on the fact that an old year is gone (nobody likes something old), or that we made it through the huddles of the past year, or just the potentials of a new year with all the possibilities it affords. But whatever the case, ‘all of the above’ will be right, because it varies with individuals, communities, and cultures.

A new year means so many things to different people, and we cannot possibly assign one theme to the tone of excitement it brings. However, one specific practice cuts across all nations, communities, cultures, religions, kindreds, etc – and that is a resolution to either start doing, or stop doing something – we simply refer to it as ‘new year resolution’; and if you are like most people, you probably have one , two, or a couple of resolutions set out for this year 2018.

In your professional, spiritual, or personal life, there may have been specific areas you identified for positive changes, and have made a commitment to effect those changes this year 2018.  You probably came up with a plan, as well as set goals on how to achieve your commitment. Well, we are already in June (halfway through this year); and I have these questions to ask you – are you still on track? Are you following through on your resolution(s)? Are you doing the things you set out to do in your weekly or monthly plans?

One of the major pillars of a successful commitment is ‘periodic evaluations’ -that is, taking stock of your progress. You have to literally stop and reflect on your weekly and monthly activities/achievements – is it in line with your proposed goals? Would the pathway you are on lead to your desired end result? If the answer is yes, then give yourself a pat on the back, and keep moving ahead! But if no, then consider making adjustments using the following tips:

Find out why you are off track – it could be a case of distraction; which means that most of your daily/weekly activities are not aligned with your goals. It could be a case of procrastination – unduly postponing relevant activities to future dates. It could also be that you have lost interest and passion, and simply abandoned the effort.

Another possibility could be that your commitment is unrealistic, and therefore unachievable! If so, then you may have to pare down the initial commitment. There could be many reasons why one is misaligned with their original plans and resolution; however, all the possibilities cannot be covered in this short article – a consultation with an expert is advised.

The crux of the matter is this – take stock of what you set out to do at the beginning of this year, versus where you are now. Thankfully, there is the remaining half of the year to make adjustments if things are off track. You can still hit your targets and finish the year strong!

So here is the question again – are you still on track?