Many of us wait until the beginning of the year to implement new goals we set last year and I have always wondered why. We could’ve begun these new goals in October or November but we use the end of the year to slow down, or throw in the towel, and pump ourselves up for next year and end up wasting valuable time that could have gotten us ahead of the curve. We don’t get our time back but a New Year happens every single year. So what’s all the hype about?

Don’t get me wrong, I love celebrating the New Year because, for me, it represents another year of birthdays, holidays, seasons, and anniversaries. On the other hand, many of us use it as a time restraint to lose weight, make a certain amount of money in our careers and businesses, or achieve life milestones like getting married or having a baby. And it sets us up for another emotional cycle as the end of the year gets closer and we throw in the towel again to wait for, you guessed it, the New Year.

Don’t Limit Yourself to 365 Days

What if you accomplish your goal in 380 days? Giving up just short of your accomplishments is disheartening and regrettable. Who said it had to be done in one year? Most likely no one, other than yourself. Give yourself grace just like God does. If He isn’t that hard on you, why treat yourself that way? The goal should be the goal, not a date you set for it. Instead of monitoring how far you are away, appreciate how far you’ve gotten and pat yourself on the back. You’re doing what many others won’t do.

But here’s another revelation that goes back to the beginning of this article. If you started in October or November, it would be accomplished before the end of the year. Just food for thought.

Your New Year Begins When You Say it Does

Here’s a secret: This article was written before January. If I had waited until January 1st to start and submit this article, I would’ve missed out on the opportunity to speak to you. Things are already pre-planned and moving in the background that leads up to a published magazine and I have to be ready for that. It’s a challenge, but the key is to mentally put yourself in the place of where you want to be and how you want to accomplish your goals, and before you know it, you will be there. I had to put myself in January before I arrived and I pray what I’m saying is relevant to you, right now.

I don’t want you to decide later when you should be deciding NOW. You could be too late. So keep this famous quote in mind, “The best time to do it was yesterday, the second best time is right now.”

Embrace Each Day of This Year

Tomorrow is not promised. So what can we do today that will create a better tomorrow for the world around us? This helps us to be selfless and understand it’s not only about us but about the human experience here on Earth. How can you make it better? How can you produce something that outlives you and helps future generations? It doesn’t have to be a grand or noticeable thing; we all have an individual calling and it looks different for each person. Some are called to spread love and fix family quarrels that will affect the future children born into that family. Some are called to speak to the masses or make a noticeable impact that strengthens the awareness of mental health. Whatever your calling is, make your first step towards it today. If you are unsure of what your calling is, your first step should be to ask God. If you are unsure of what God is saying, your first step can be to read your Bible or listen to a sermon. Do you see where I’m going? There’s always a first step to take and there’s no need to wait.

So why do you really care about the New Year? I pray you are able to celebrate all the birthdays, anniversaries, and milestones that will come and give it your best effort yet. I have so much faith in you. Happy New Year!