It’s a few days to the end of 2021, and I’m sure many people are excited and expectant, just like me. I like the idea of a new year, new expectations, the excitement that comes with it, and the feeling of having a blank slate.
Yet, we all should know by now that the new year is only “new” because of a date change, nothing more. If anything, it’s like any other day except you change your usual way of doing things.
In that light, here are 4 tips to making the New Year new indeed:
1. Assessment
Ponder on how the soon-to-be past year has been for you. Think about things that happened, both the ones you expected or wanted, and those you didn’t. Ask why they happened, what can change, how it can be better if it is likely to happen again.
In other words, make an assessment of the past year. You would need to be intentional if the new one will be better and different. As said earlier, it’s not going to be new or better simply because the date has changed.
We all should know by now that the new year is only "new" because of a date change, nothing more. If anything, it's like any other day except you change your usual way of doing things. Share on X2. Gratitude
Remembrance stirs up thankfulness. It’s the end of a new year, and aside from the fact that you’re alive today, there are things to be thankful to God for. There’s a saying that goes…”if you can think, you can thank”. Think and thank God.
It's the end of a new year, and aside from the fact that you're alive today, there are things to be thankful to God for. Share on XIn addition, document the goodness of God. Documenting helps you remember, and encourages you in the coming year.
3. Resolutions
“New year, new me” is the commonest statement I’ve heard concerning the New Year. Infact, some no longer take it seriously because a lot of people say it and have nothing to show for it eventually.
It’s not bad for a new year to be a new you, but the year will only be different if you effect new changes.
It's not bad for a new year to be a new you, but the year will only be different if you effect new changes. Share on XWhat do you want to achieve? Begin to plan. Think about things you want to do. It’s not too early! What can you do about those dreams you have this year? How can your spiritual life be better this year?
Paraphrasing my pastor’s statement, ‘if you don’t have a goal, target or timeline, then it’s just a dream’.
In addition to that, don’t let the unwanted experiences from the past year stop you from having resolutions or expectations for the coming one. You can make things better if you want to.
4. Prayer
Prayer changes everything! If anything will be different, prayer will be a big reason why. Things can be better because you prayed. Pray about the New Year. Speak into the New Year because your words carry power. Receive instructions in the place of prayer, and run with them. In Exodus 19:4-6, the Isrealites received an instruction that made their experience different, even when they were in the same land!
Prayer changes everything! If anything will be different, prayer will be a big reason why. Things can be better because you prayed. Pray about the New Year. Share on XIn conclusion, ask yourself- what am I going to do to make 2022 a better year? You can share your answers with us in the comments section. Looking forward to them!
You can also read “New Year Resolutions: Do They Have To Be “New?“.