Strava, a social network for athletes conducted extensive research in 2019 and found that around 80% of those who made New Year’s resolutions quit their resolutions by the second week of January. Based on user-logged activities they predicted the second Friday of January was the day the motivation of quitters began to decline.
More current studies show about two-thirds of those who make New Year’s resolutions quit within one month with the major problem being their resolutions are too ambitious. Motivation wanes as time passes. (nationalday.com)
So, what are you quitting this year? I would offer several suggestions that will lead to a better year. First, quit believing you are not worthy. Ephesians 2:10 (NIV) tells us, “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Not only are we created by God but he has prepared a purpose for our life.
Second, consider quitting controlling behavior which demonstrates a lack of trust in those around you. It also causes you more distress because there are many things that are simply out of our control. When we trust in the one who created us instead of trying to control everything ourselves, He will show us the way. Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)
Finally, consider quitting perfectionism. The appearance of perfection may help us look good to others, but our value is not in how we look to those around us. Our value comes from being created by God for a specific purpose. Romans 3:23 reminds us that we all fall short. None of us can achieve perfection on our own. We must accept God’s grace which is sufficient for every person and in our weakness we show how powerful Christ is when he works through us. (2 Corinthians 12:9)
There are a number of behaviors and attitudes to consider quitting this year including thinking negatively about ourselves, blaming others for our shortfalls, jealousy, and procrastination. My difficulty lies in self pride. I have struggled with self-esteem for most of my life so when I accomplish something I have to remind myself that I am only successful when acting as a vessel for the Holy Spirit in the purpose God has for me. Only then can I remain humble and allow the activity to show God’s glory and not my own.
Which attitude or behavior will you choose to quit this year?
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