I am not a selfish person usually, although I guess we all are to a certain extent. Still, there are some things I want more of in my life in the year 2009. All of these stem from what I really want to accomplish in life. I have thought a lot recently, while preparing for the first message of the New Year at Grace, about what matters most in my life. Here’s my list of “more”. (Feel free to share what you want more of in the New Year.)
1. I want to discipline myself more. The year 2009 is going to be a year of structure for me. I’m fairly disciplined now, but I’ve learned that discipline allows me to accomplish my goals.
2. I want to love more. I want that to start with Cheryl and the boys, but I always want to develop more patience for others. (This may improve my driving temperament.)
3. I want to sing more. Singing, regardless of the song, usually lifts my spirits and is good for the soul.
4. I want to dream more. Dreaming keeps my mind and imagination fresh.
5. I want to pray more. Please don’t misunderstand, I’m not seeking prayer requests, although I hope to pray for others more too, I just want more time alone with my Father.
6. I want to rest more. I need to get to bed earlier and actually consider taking a day off occasionally.
7. I want to read more. Last year, because of other commitments, I didn’t read books other than the Bible as much as I usually do. I have some catching up to do.
8. I want to exercise more. I may not run a marathon or do all the long distance runs I did in 2008, but I want to concentrate on a more complete fitness program. The healthier I am the more productive I can be.
9. I want to network more. I developed some incredible connections and relationships in 2008. I want to be intentional and smarter with these opportunities in 2009.
10. I want to more balance in my life. I am always doing something. That’s how I thrive. I want to consider where my attention goes and where my priorities are more in the New Year and put more of my energy in those places.
What do you want more of in 2009? Go ahead. If you have good goals, and your heart is intending to honor God, be selfish!
Trying to be "logical" and "realistic" alot last year (those are both wonderful in the proper situations), actually kept me from being as giving and loving as I could've been. This year I want to live in the freedoms that Christ has given me-specifically to love people like crazy!! I read an evotional today that quoted Matt. 22:39, and so, I am going to learn to truly love myself & be okay with being me, so that I might love others! My Grace family was so incredible as they poured love into me in 2008 and I'm ready to give back in 2009!!!
I want to listen more in 2009. Put down, stop, look, concentrate and truly listen! Listen to my wife, my son and others. Show an interest in what is being said and respond.
Thank you for prompting me to “listen more” in 2009!
Freddy T., you ask a great questions. I should probably clarify that this post list things I want, not goals. Sunday I’m sharing a message on setting a vision for life and part of that is setting realistic, short-term goals. This would not be that list. Still, you are exactly right. To get more of something we must have less of something else. You may have prompted another post on how to create margin in our life. Of course, it would be more theory based than experience based. This is one thing I need to learn to do better.
Ron,
I’m with you. I love fresh starts reflecting and evaluating the past and looking forward to the future. I’m with you on wanting to read, pray, rest, dream, and network more too. As we build more of this into our life there must be room…time for more. What kinds of things to you typically see people doing that wastes their time. What must they quit if they dream, read, network, pray and rest more in 2009? I usually have pretty ambitious goals @ fresh start times…but what must go? I read a portion of a book last year called Getting Things Done which was pretty helpful for daily/office/administrative productivity…but again, what do you see most in people’s lives that can be eliminated that will help create space for other things?