How to Keep Your New Year’s Resolutions

It’s the time of year when most people set New Year’s resolutions. The most common resolutions include losing weight, removing or paying off debt, saving money, getting fit, or eating right. However, by February, many people find that their resolutions do not last.

The University of Scranton states that only 9% of individuals feel successful in achieving their New Year’s resolutions. This failure often results from setting unrealistic goals, making too many resolutions, lacking proper tracking of progress, quitting when motivation fades, or not having a strong support system.

What the Bible Says About Goals for the Year

While the Bible doesn’t specifically talk about this, we as Christians are called to set goals that reflect humility and a focus on spiritual growth. Our goals should glorify God and prioritize the eternal over the material. Many people look forward to the New Year as a fresh start, but often, it becomes a new beginning for the same old habits, leading to disappointment and discouragement. Here are a few tips that can help you keep and see results from your resolutions.

Here’s What You Should do Instead

1. Your Daily Routines Are More Important Than New Year’s Resolutions

Instead of focusing on resolutions, focus on routines. John Maxwell said, “I can predict a long-term outcome of your success if you show me your daily habits.” Craig Groeschel added, “Successful people do consistently what other people do occasionally.”

The Bible also talks about this idea. In fact, in Acts 17:2 says, “Then Paul, as his custom was, went into them and for three Sabbath days reasoned with them from the Scriptures.” Luke 5:16 states, “So He often withdrew into the wilderness and prayed.”

2. Develop Holy Habits by Following a Simple Habit Loop

Another important step I want to highlight is to develop habits. A habit is something you do regularly, almost without thinking, because it has become part of your routine. Researchers describe a habit loop as consisting of a cue, a routine, and a reward. For example, feeling thirsty is the cue, grabbing a glass of water is the routine, and feeling refreshed is the reward.

If you want to build a prayer habit, let your morning alarm or a prayer journal on your nightstand serve as the cue. Spend five to ten minutes in prayer as your routine, talking to God about your worries and asking for His blessings. The reward is the peace and clarity you feel, which reinforces the habit.

3. Break Bad Habits by Identifying and Removing Triggers

The Bible tells us in Romans 13:14 to, “Put on the Lord Jesus Christ and make no provision for the flesh to fulfill its lust.” Bad habits follow the same loop as good ones: a cue, a routine, and a reward. For many, stress, boredom, or loneliness can be cues for unhealthy behaviors like smoking, excessive TV watching, or overeating.

It’s important to note that in order to break bad habits, you must identify these triggers and replace them with healthier actions. For example, replace smoking with chewing gum or drinking water. Replace excessive TV with reading Scripture or exercising. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you develop self-control and surround yourself with accountability.

4. Prioritize a Keystone Habit That Will Create a Domino Effect

Next it’s important to understand that not all habits are equal. Charles Duhigg, in The Power of Habit, says that keystone habits are those that lead to the growth of other habits. In Matthew 6:33 we are told to “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” Focusing on one or two keystone habits, such as daily time with God and being involved in your local church, can create a domino effect, and help to create more godly habits in your life.

5. Instead of Setting Goals for What You Do, Set Goals for Who You Want to Become

Lastly, remember that God desires to shape you into the image of Jesus.

Outward success without spiritual growth will only lead you to feel disappointed. I encourage you to shift your mindset from doing to being. Instead of saying, “I will read the Bible every day,” think, “I want to become a person who loves God’s Word.” Instead of, “I will pray for 30 minutes daily,” say, “I want to be a person who depends on God in every decision.”

Focus on building habits that shape you into the person God desires you to be.

Read: How To Make Your New Year Resolutions Last