by Christian Dawson – Monday, December 31, 2012
The same thing happens every year. We begin in January with high expectations, fresh hopes, new dreams, and clear goals. We have a bucket list of things that we want to do and ways that we want to change. If you are like me, you have your New Year’s resolutions listed in places that you will see. I put mine on my mirror, in my phone, and next to my bed. I tell myself if things like “If I can see these every day, I will not forget about them, and then I will achieve them!”
The same thing happens every year. I have all of my goals. I start on January 1st (December 31st if I am feeling extra determined). But to shorten the story that most have experienced, the year goes on. I come to December 31st and realize that I have not finished a lot of my goals. I reflect on the year and wonder why. I had clear goals. I was determined. I had a plan. How did I not reach them? Is it the days that I chose to go to the gym for forty-five minutes instead of an hour and a half? Would it be the times that I chose to not practice my scales or stretch my range? Could it be the evenings that I stayed up late laughing with friends instead of getting into my research papers? Was it the moments that I chose to sleep in and rest my body instead of waking up and reviving my spirit? Regardless of the reason why, I make it to the end of the year realizing that the goals that I had for the year were not met. But it is a New Year right? I will change! I will be strategic! I will meet my goals this time around!
The same thing happens every year. So for 2013, I decided to fix how I approach my New Year’s resolutions. I decided to not make goals for the year. I have found that areas in which I compromise most are the places that I do not live in the present. For example, I wanted to get in even better shape in 2012. So I said I will go to the gym for an hour and a half each day of the year, eat better throughout the year, and drink more water for the year. I created these great goals and aspirations for my year, but, in retrospect, I realize that they do not carry weight in the longevity of my daily decisions.
A new thing is happening this year- a new resolution. A resolution can be defined as a “firm decision to do or not do something,” but I would go as far to say that a resolution is also a firm decision to be or not be someone. I have made my resolutions, but it is not for 2013. These resolutions are for me. They are for who I am today. In 2013, I want to get in better shape, stretch my musical abilities, do well in school, and grow as a Christian (which is ironic because my name is Christian). But those are just a list of things that I want to do. MY NEW LIFE RESOLVES are to be a healthy person, to be an outstanding musician, to be an excellent scholar, and to be a mature Christian.
A different thing is happening this year. While I have goals and things that I want to do, I have resolved to be a new person. Who you resolve to be will determine what you cannot help but do.
Christian Dawson is studying Pastoral Ministries and Biblical Studies with a minor in music. If he’s not writing an exegetical paper, jamming with friends, or working out, he is serving as the NUMA Worship Director. Tweet or Instagram him @Christiand2010.
Posted on Monday, December 31, 2012 by Christian Dawson
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