The tick of the clock, the turn of the calendar – they’re not just marking time, they’re opening doors.
As the New Year opens, many of us engage in the familiar ritual of making New Year’s resolutions. Yet studies show that most resolutions fail by February. Why? Because real, long-term change requires more than a calendar date – it demands internal desire and genuine commitment to personal growth. Many dream of life changes but they won’t commit to changing their life. Some even expect change but they won’t change their habits or lifestyle. Change doesn’t occur by accident or happenstance. Neither is it coincidental. So how does change happen? Let’s open the door . . .
The Heart of Change
Real change begins with internal motivation, not external pressure. As Scripture reminds us, God “desires truth in the inward parts” (Psalm 51:6). Without genuine desire for growth, our resolutions become mere daydreams, fantasies, and wishes rather than commitments. But you have a new year – a new opportunity – for real growth and personal development. You want it?
Common Pitfalls
Many resolutions fail because we fail to address our inner self and motivation. Since we don’t initially address our inner person, we tend to focus solely on the desired external changes. And the external won’t effectively change if the internal doesn’t change.
Our resolutions will fail when we rely solely on willpower rather than systemic change. In addition, most resolutions fail because we lack specific, measurable goals. And without specific goals we lack direction and focus. When it comes to change, willpower will give up after about twenty-one days, if it lasts that long.
Also resolutions fail because we resist asking for support. Of course, if we don’t engage a growth partner to support us, we won’t feel any responsibility or accountability. So many people want to blame others for their lot in life. Yet, real change, both internal and external, will not occur until we are solely accountable to make change happen.
This brings us full circle. Our resolutions fail because we ignore the spiritual dimension of transformation. Our spiritual being is the core of who we are. Ignite the change there and you’ll be surprised how it will affect every other aspect of your life.
A Biblical Perspective
For authentic transforming growth to occur, our perspective must be affected.
“Be transformed by the renewing of your mind”
(Romans 12:2)
Apostle Paul taught that a renewed mind creates a transforming effect on us. This renewal is a non-conforming way of thinking. How you think is critical to the new you.
“Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead”
(Philippians 3:13-14)
This transforming, non-conformist thinking begins with letting go of the past. Stop beating yourself up for not achieving last year’s resolution. Let go of past failures. Repent of former sins. Stop longing for yesterday! Stop mourning over your past! Transforming change is not behind you. Concentrate on today and tomorrow! Focus on the new thing God is doing in you!
Your Door to Change
Let’s walk through it together and explore three essential steps to lasting change:
1. Take Personal Responsibility
Within this step there are six critical keys, biblically supported, that opens the door.
- Self-Assessment
First, make an honest self-assessment. Assess your life. Assess your values. Assess your skills. Assess your spiritual being. Assess your personal life and relationships. This is where all change and growth begins.
“A slack hand causes poverty, but the hand of the diligent makes rich”
(Prov. 10:4 ESV)
Solomon contrasts an open, relaxed hand with a tense, braced hand. The open hand describes one who is unwilling or unprepared to work. The tense hand describes one who is braced for long hard work. In today’s terms, this means excellence requires more than casual effort – it demands focused, intentional work toward our goals. And personal growth is worth your best effort.
- Consequences of Not Changing
Second, consider the consequences if you don’t change.
“Whoever is slothful will not roast his game, but the diligent man will get precious wealth”
(Prov. 12:27 ESV)
Obviously, a lazy person who won’t hunt certainly won’t have meat to roast (i.e., food to eat). On the other hand, a diligent person will be self-sufficient. In today’s terms, this means you can change and grow or remain the same. Your decision. Just know that your choice determines the outcome. Acknowledge the need or desire. Take advantage of the open door. Walk in the new season of transforming growth.
- Advantages of Improvement
Third, recognize the advantages of growth and improvement.
“Do you see a man skillful in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men”
(Prov. 22:29 ESV)
Again it is obvious that those who diligently attains high skill levels will achieve influence and position. In modern terms, it means they will be promoted and given greater responsibility. Their work will be appreciated and rewarded. This is a side-effect of personal development.
- Resist Excuses and Illusions
Fourth, don’t yield to excuses or illusions.
“The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, while the soul of the diligent is richly supplied”
(Prov. 13:4 ESV)
And even more obvious is the attitude of those who “crave” but do not achieve. Those who are diligent, however, are richly rewarded by achieving theirs. In today’s terms, it means some people are dreamers only. They make no effort to achieve their dreams. They place all their attention on a single Big Score. They make excuses for not achieving their dreams. Then there are individuals who seize the opportunity to grow and develop so they can achieve their dreams.
“The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty”
(Prov. 21:5 ESV)
Here, Solomon contrasts the achievements of one who diligently plans life goals with one who leaves life goals to time and chance. The diligent person makes time for due diligence, goal-setting, and planning. The hasty one never stops to set goals or plan and is eventually pressed by time and need, relying on get-rich-quick schemes and illusions of lottery wins. The diligent one is guaranteed success. The hasty one is guaranteed failure. Don’t live in the fast lane! Stop and plan your journey.
- Control Your Future
Fifth, take control of your current circumstances in order to control your future.
“The hand of the diligent will rule, while the slothful will be put to forced labor”
(Prov. 12:24 ESV)
Solomon reveals how to control your physical circumstances. Your diligent planning places you in a position of control, and gives you power to direct your life. He points out that diligent attention to critical life elements enables you to control the vagaries of life rather than being forced to accept them. Specific, written goals is a key to controlling your physical life. This truth doesn’t negate God’s sovereign control. Plan your journey. God will adjust it as He desires.
- Why Do You Want To Change?
Finally, understand your ‘why’ behind desired changes. Why do you need change? Why do you want to change? Why?
“Know well the condition of your flocks, and give attention to your herds, for riches do not last forever; and does a crown endure to all generations? When the grass is gone and the new growth appears and the vegetation of the mountains is gathered, the lambs will provide your clothing, and the goats the price of a field. There will be enough goats’ milk for your food, for the food of your household and maintenance for your girls”
(Prov. 27:23-27 ESV)
What better “why” than your family’s future well-being? Solomon encouraged us to diligently know and understand the state of our foundation resources. Resources that you can’t lose, that maintain or increase in value, and that continually replenish any use or loss (flocks and herds). They are unencumbered assets that can generate food and income: food producing lands (row crop fields and gardens), as well as meat (cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, poultry). They would also include skills you possess that could generate income: plumbing, electrical, carpentry, or other side hustle opportunities.
What do you have to fall back on in times of economic downturn? How could you provide for your family (clothing and food)? What would sustain you if you lost your current income? With diligent attention to your foundation resources, your family needs would be safe.
What is your why? Remember, we are talking about your new season of change. A new opportunity for you to grow and develop as a person. A New You determined to be responsible for personal development. A New You who controls personal and family circumstances.
2. Identify Internal Motivation
Within this step there are four key points to carefully consider:
- Your Heart’s Desire
Your motivation cannot be manipulated by force or coercion. It requires a heart-level desire for transformation. Other reasons will not effect long-term change.
- Your Conviction
Your motivation has to flow from conviction rather than convenience. Growing and developing is never convenient. It never occurs on ‘someday isle.’ Real growth occurs because the seed of conviction is planted. You are convinced that change is needed. It is cultivated by desire and watered by goals, plans, and accountability.
- Your Personal Values
Your motivation must align with your personal values and beliefs. Motivation is a marvelous thing as long as it is driven by values and beliefs. It sputters and runs out of go-juice when contrary to them.
- Your Commitment
Your motivation for personal development is a long-term commitment. Personal growth and development occurs gradually. Never in the proverbial “over night.” Look around you. Your community wasn’t built in a day nor developed quickly. Somebody spent hours, days, months, and even years planning it prior to the first spade of dirt being dug.
You know how this works . . . long-term commitment. I never said it would be easy. If it were, the success wouldn’t be so sweet.
3. Utilize the Power of Due Diligence
From your careful consideration of steps one and two, you are now ready to design your personal growth strategy. Go ahead, begin now.
- Write your specific goals.
Just thinking about and claiming to have a goal probably isn’t going to be sufficient. You will need to record it on paper, in your journal, or your cell phone notes. You need a physical, visual reminder. Set notifications accordingly.
- Set measurable milestones.
Create an effective way to measure your progress of achieving your goals.
- Be sure to regularly review and adjust as desired or needed.
Remember the old adage: out of sight, out of mind. Regular review maintains your focus. In addition, life doesn’t follow a linear path. Life happens. Desire changes. Adjustments are necessary from time to time.
- Create accountability partnerships.
You need a confidante who is supportive and willing to hold you accountable.
- Remember, small consistent steps achieve goals.
Success doesn’t come in an all-at-once package. Your goals are not pie-in-the-sky wishes and fantasies. No! They are the results of your due diligence and critical thought. You have discussed them with a trusted friend and considered the ramifications carefully. They are visually recorded in your calendar and scheduled for regular review. They are valued pearls not to be trampled under foot; valued treasures to be cherished and pursued with confidence; coals of fire to be fanned into flaming realities.
Achieving Long-term Success
This New Year, 2025, is going to be extraordinarily different. It is the defining year. There’s a brand new feeling in the air. Possibilities. Opportunities. Challenges.
We anticipate them through the smokey mirror of humanity. As we envision our dreams and ambitions and goals so clearly, we question how we might achieve their reality. What is the right path, – a proper strategy – to get us there?
The following three-step strategy will empower your personal transformation. The first two steps focuses on what you want to develop. The third step focuses on actions needed to realize growth and development:
1. Spiritual Development
- Begin with prayer for guidance. No one can counsel you better than God.
- Align your goals with God’s priorities. He knows the plan and purpose He has for you.
- Seek wisdom through Scripture. God’s counsel is already available. Access it.
- Maintain spiritual disciplines. Be faithful, obedient, and persevere.
2. Personal Development
- Focus on character growth. Transform your character and everything else will follow.
- Improve your relationships. It involves the following: Open, honest communication. Loving Appreciation. Quality time together. Empathetic understanding. Trust. Compromise and adapting to needs. Whatever is required. Respect. Repent. Restore. Reconcile.
- Practice better stewardship. Be effective not frivolous. Be responsible and manage well. How can you sustain or improve your skill level? Hold yourself accountable. Collaborate!
- Develop new skills. Identify desired or needed skill. Learn. Attend training classes. Find a mentor. Learn critical thinking and analysis skills. Access online courses.
3. Activate Development
- Create detailed action plans with weekly milestone checks and monthly reviews.
- Establish tracking systems using a growth journal or app.
- Build support networks by choosing accountability partners and mentors.
- Celebrate small victories with specific rewards.
Your transformation journey begins now. Take out your journal or open your notes app. Write down one area where you most desire to change. Now, using the principles we’ve discussed, outline your first three action steps. This isn’t just planning – it’s your first act of transformation.
Conclusion
Since you have read this far, I am confident that you truly are determined to grow and change this year. As you consider your season and opportunities for 2025, remember that lasting change starts from within. When internal desire and foundation meets practical planning, true transformation becomes possible.
I’ll be brutally honest. Your growth is not going to be easy. Temptation to stop will be constant. Yet, I believe you will seriously consider all of the above data. Apply it to yourself. Make 2025 the year everything changes, your circumstances, your relationships, and your life.
Don’t just set goals – commit to growth. Don’t just plan changes – pursue transformation. Let this year be different by starting with the heart and building meaningful change from the inside out.
This isn’t just another year. This isn’t about a fantasy bucket list. This is your season of transformation. Each month in 2025, I’ll be your guide with two focused articles that will:
- Identify hidden barriers to growth and proven ways to overcome them
- Reveal biblical truths that promise to transform your lifestyle
- Challenge limiting beliefs and expand your vision for your potential
Join me on this journey. It’s your season to #thrive. Your opportunity to #climbhigher. 2025 isn’t just a New Year. It’s the doorway to the New You!