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Why You Should NOT Make a New Year’s Resolution

Pete Thompson Christian Counseling

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We all do it. Whether it’s shedding unwanted pounds, cleaning up the attic, or giving up a vice, New Year’s Resolutions have become tradition. And they’ve been around for a long time.The ancient Babylonians are said to have been the first people to make New Year’s resolutions, some 4,000 years ago. They started the year by making promises to the gods to pay their debts and return any objects they had borrowed. If not, they would fall out of the gods’ favor—a place no one wanted to be.

As Christians we serve a more benevolent God, who might be concerned about debts and such, but isn’t hovering over you to cast a stone for broken resolutions. So why make them at all? If truth be told, resolutions are a waste of time. Heresy you say? Well let me ask you this, if your resolution was so important then why didn’t you do it before the clock struck twelve? And that is exactly why resolutions fall by the wayside after three short months. Don’t believe me? Try going to the gym now verses three months from now and you’ll see the numbers in attendance are vastly different.

So what is a better/healthier way to fulfill goals?

  1. Decide what you want to do and count the cost. For example: if you want to lose weight then your previously heavier lifestyle will have to change…drastically. You have to do decide if giving up candy, soda, and super-sized meals are worth it. You will go to bed hungry. You have to decide if taking the time to run, jog, or go to the gym is worth the time and effort. You will go to bed sore. If your answer is yes, I’ve counted the cost and I want this change anyway, then go for it.
  2. Don’t tell others your goals. People like to get credit from peers and others by sharing their resolution. Unfortunately the amount of likes you get on Facebook will not be enough to get you through the tough sacrifice your goal requires. Your motivation has to be intrinsically motivated, or you will most likely fail. So be silent about your goal and allow people to notice all on their own. Actions speak louder than words.
  3. Lastly, don’t let a calendar dictate your goals. If you decide you are ready in March or September to achieve your goal that’s great. The key is counting the cost and making choices that set you up for success.

 “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” -Philippians 3:14

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Pete Thompson Christian Counseling

Pete is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Texas, California, Florida, and Arizona. He is a member of the Focus on the Family Christian Counselors Network, the Southern Baptist Convention Counseling Network, and Texas Baptist Counseling Services. He has been a practicing believer in Christ for over 46 years. He counsels clients both at his home office in Texas, and across the United States and overseas via the Internet. Pete has worked in the mental health field for over 35 years. He combines a cognitive behavioral approach with the infinite resources of knowledge found in God’s Holy word, the Bible. He specializes in Coping Skills, offering his clients specific tools that assist in dealing with life’s stressors. He grew up in California’s Central Valley but now resides in Lantana, Texas with his wife, Lynne, of 34 years marriage, they have two adult children.

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