WordUp by Chad Gramling

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A little while back, I posted my 2008 Intentions list. In that post, I explained that I don’t believe in making New Year’s Resolutions. Now, I want to expand upon those embryonic thoughts.

The overwhelming factor in New Year’s Resolutions is the process by which they are developed and established. I would wage that most folks who do the whole “resolutions thing” have a process similar to this:

• Decide what to change about myself
• Resolve to make that change
• Laugh because there is the foreknowledge that it will not be kept
• Break the resolution and admit failure

Ever heard of Self Defeating Prophecy? Here’s a better approach:

• Realize that you do not need to change
• Affirm that you want to personally grow this year
• Determine in what areas and how you seek to grow
• Continually remind yourself of these growth intentions

Do you see where I am going with this? When you begin a process of personal growth, you should not begin by thinking about the things you dislike about yourself. Begin by thinking about how you wish to improve . . . how you wish to personally grow.

The fact of the matter, God made you and He made you beautifully. Realize that you are a beautiful person and that you do not need to change yourself. That does not mean you cannot grow, however.

• Instead of “I need to quit smoking” choose to grow by “Living a healthier lifestyle”
• Instead of “I need to lose weight” choose to grow by “Implementing a better diet”
• Instead of “I need to stop gambling” choose to grow by “Gaining more self control”
• Instead of “I need to go to church every Sunday” choose to grow by “Seeking a deeper relationship with Christ”
• Instead of “I need make more money” choose to grow by “Diligently managing my finances

Within those personal growth goals, you can develop your intentions. For instance; I intend to attend at least one class in Tai Chi or Yoga as part of living a healthier lifestyle. It may lead to greater growth, or it may stop with one class. To more diligently manage my finances, I intend for my only existing debt to be my home mortgage.

Then, throw in some fun. Certainly, the MacBook and Crescent Fresh intentions are not going to fall into any categories of personal growth - but you’ve gotta throw some fun into your life or the seriousness of seeking all your intentions will break your will. You will be stressed, disorganized and defeated.

I’d rather see you succeed. Best of luck to you and yours in 2008!

[tags]New Year’s Resolutions, personal growth, 2008, intentions, success, personal development[/tags]