Is it bad to make a new year resolution and not keep to it? Is it better not to make resolutions at all?
There are the “should” kind of resolutions – “I should lose some weight.”, “I should stop smoking.” Those are not real resolutions. Those are merely words to appease your guilt of abusing your body.
However, if you truly desire to make a change in some aspect of your life – “I really don’t want to be lazy anymore. I am going to exercise more.” – that is a useful resolution even if you end up missing a few weeks at the gym. Chances are, you would’ve exercised more than if you didn’t make the new year resolution.
Making a resolution doesn’t mean you will complete 100% of your goal. I personally don’t think you even have to state a measurable goal. Change will happen if you have a true desire to change.
This is how it happens. Once you’ve made a commitment to change, there will be daily choices that will allow you to grow in that area. Let’s see, what should I do after dinner? Do I sit in front of my computer after dinner or do I go for a walk instead? When I think back to my new year resolution – “I don’t want to be lazy. I am going to exercise more.”, the choice is obvious. Even if I don’t make the right choice every time, I am sure I will make the right choice some of the time. That’s better than having no resolve to guide me in my decision.
People who say “I don’t make new year resolutions because I don’t keep them anyway” are talking about the “should” kind of resolutions.
And If you have no deep desire to change in some way, maybe you are complacent, or fear failure, or don’t want to commit.
If there is an area in your life with which you are dissatisfied, make a resolve. I believe God will honor your desire and will meet you half way to make it happen.