-by Sis. Oluwabukunmi Sowunmi
Most people quit their New Year’s resolutions or goals. So, if you’ve already forgotten all about yours, you’re not alone.
Research shows that most people begin a new year with much motivation. However, with each passing week, their motivation wanes and they eventually fall back into their old, unproductive habits.
What to do when you have goals but no motivation
If you’ve already quit your New Year’s resolutions due to a lack of motivation, it’s likely because you’ve chosen to be consistent with the wrong and inconsistent with the right things.
Don’t believe me? Consider this example:
A person who is inconsistent in praying, studying the word, or obeying God’s instructions, is usually a “consistent procrastinator.”
Yet, although this person is doing the wrong thing (i.e., procrastinating), I believe that he/she can learn to do the right things consistently by redirecting their focus and building better habits.
How to be consistent at doing the right things (or at building good habits):
1. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you:
The Holy Spirit can help you overcome bad habits and cultivate the consistency needed to establish better ones; only ask Him in prayer, listen for His guidance and follow His leading.
2. Create a plan for each of your goals:
Don’t just say, “I want to improve my prayer life.” What is the plan? You need to create a plan that states what you will do, when you will do it, and where.
For example:
Goal 1: To pray at least 30 minutes in tongues every day
Plan: I will wake up at 6:30 am every day to ensure I have at least an hour of devotional time before getting ready for school. And should I miss this time because I had to rush to school, I’ll spend 30 mins in between my lectures to pray quietly by the school pond.
After creating a plan like this, you can also set an alarm to remind you of your prayer time. That way, all you need to do is commit to stick to it.
3. Get an accountability partner:
Having someone who you can report to is also really helpful. This person can keep you in check, remind you about your goal, and also scold/challenge you when necessary.
4. Create a reward system:
You can reward yourself after achieving the goal. I remember times in secondary school when I had a goal to get an A. I created a plan to achieve it, and when I did, I bought myself something to encourage myself to keep going.
You can reward yourself after being consistent at that thing after a week/month. This can encourage you to keep going.
Don’t feel bad that you’ve quit your New Year’s resolutions so soon. Instead, revisit your goals and follow the steps I outlined above. By redirecting your focus and committing to doing a few simple things consistently, you’ll make more progress towards your goals than you’ve ever made before.
I am rooting for you.
Let’s do this!
