The week between Christmas and New Year’s is generally one of reflection for me. I take down the previous year’s calendar and compare what I had planned to do with what I actually did–or didn’t–accomplish. Then I put up the new calendar and start thinking about goals for the coming year.
But this year, before rushing off to create a towering to-do list, I first took a step
back and started asking questions. Perhaps these will help shape your planning
as well.
Do I like what I’m doing?
Right now, this minute. And if not, what little thing can you do to make your current circumstances better? Then take a mental step back and ask this question on a much larger scale. How are you spending your days on this earth? Do you enjoy your life? Your job? If not, what are you going to do about it? Change begins with questions.
How do I want to change the world?
Or, how do I want the world to be different because I lived in it? This question has echoed in my heart for quite some time. Our time here will make an impact–maybe on a huge, worldwide scale, or maybe to a hand full of special people. Maybe you’re here to write wonderful books, play beautiful songs on a clarinet, bake incredible pies or raise a loving family. Think about the impact you want to make and live with that in mind. Live on purpose.
Why do I like {Snickers} better than {housework}?
I borrowed this question from life coach Martha Beck because it really made me think. Go ahead and insert your own preferences into the blanks. There are certain things, activities and people we simply like better than others. We waste lots of energy and create all sorts of issues for ourselves trying to force affection because we feel we “should.” There is freedom in admitting our preferences–even just to ourselves.
Hopefully, asking yourself these questions will give you insight into your God-given destiny and encourage you to live life on purpose. Visualize your dreams and take steps to reach them. Don’t live 2012 by accident.
I’d love to hear what impact you want to have…
Connie
PS–If you read The Christmas Gift, I’d love to hear what you thought of Sophie and Will’s story.
I don’t believe in coincidence. I like to call it God-incidence and I think Sophie and Will got a big dose of that. Hope lots of other people enjoyed the story as much as I did.
As for what I want to accomplish in 2012 —- I want to matter. I want to touch people’s hearts, help where I can, and make a difference no matter how big or how small.
My brother is being flown into Orlando today from Saudi Arabia in critical condition. For all those out there wondering how you can impact someone’s life, please pray for my brother and our family during this difficult time.
Oh Diane–prayers going up for your brother, for you, and for your whole family!
Your books have touched people’s hearts and I’ve been on the receiving end of your help more than once. You are making a difference! And for anyone who hasn’t read Diane’s books, you are missing a treat!!
Keep me posted on your brother’s condition!
I enjoyed reading your goals. I never set goals because I try to be consistent all year. Unfortunately, life gets in the way. But, I try to pick up where I left off and start the consistency roll once again.
My deepest prayers for your brother, for you and all your family. May God be with you.
Cierra James
Absolute prayers for your brother Diane.
I want to make a difference in the world. But I know if I impact just one person in a positive way I’ve met my goal in life.
Great questions to contemplate. Thanks Connie.
I like the way you view meeting your goal, Calisa, and I totally agree!
So glad my questions made you think, too.
I think this year I’m going to take a cue from my GPS…I’m going to “recalculate” my route. My GPS tells me when I have gone off course and it recalculates the route based on my wrong turn. Luckily God is always one step ahead of my incompetence. I find it comforting to know I cannot plan God out of the equation no matter how bad I mess up. He will always turn the crooked places straight
debianne.
“The crooked roads shall become straight, the rough ways smooth” (Luke 3:5).
Debianne–what a great way to look at it–and a great reminder of God’s loving concern for us. Thanks for that!
Lately I’ve been saying, “Ok, God, what’s next?” I’m eager to see how he’s going to “recalculate” my route. 🙂