Get a Jump-Start on Spring!
by Angelita Jacobs

Spring is just around the corner, and just as the natural world prepares for new life, often we begin to start thinking of ourselves in new ways.  We reflect on those resolutions made earlier in the year and for brief moments dream about what it would be like if we actually kept them.  

We think, “How much weight would I have lost if I started Jan 1st?  Where would I be if I enrolled in that class?”  The Bible speaks of us redeeming the times and Webster defines redeeming as “fulfilling a pledge or promise.”   There’s a saying from Liberia (Malinke) which says “If you wait for tomorrow, tomorrow comes.  If you don’t wait for tomorrow, tomorrow comes.  The truth is that whether or not we remain true to our goals, time marches on. 

Let’s think about retail stores.  Most of us can recall an April when it was still really cold outside, possibly snow on the ground and spring merchandise was on all the shelves as if to say “Ready or not, Spring is here.”  Like most, I’ll see the clothes on the shelves but won’t feel the need to buy anything because in my mind I have more than enough time.  After all, there’s something that just feels wrong about having to take off a coat, hat and gloves, just to try on Capris.  

So in preparation for this Spring, why not purpose to redeem the next 30 days?  Most people are familiar with the thought that you can make or break a habit in 30 days.  But most people don’t think of it as what they could do that could change their life with an exponential effect.  So I ask you, what can you do in 30 days?  What’s your goal?......gain or lose 10 pounds, learn a new skill, remodel a room…whatever you do, 30 days will come and go—so why not make the most of it. 

Here are some ideas to get you started and keep you motivated.

1. Don’t start on the first of the month.  The first day of the month is usually already loaded with enough to consume our thoughts. Start at a more random time, say around the 3rd or 6th.
2. Share your goals.  Find one to confide in.  Being accountable will also serve as your alter ego when you feel like slipping— like eating the whole bag of chips.
3. Acknowledge and embrace your pitfalls.  Pitfalls/setbacks are a part of real life.  Sometimes I think people underestimate the power of a setback.  The Bible states that “wisdom is the principle thing but in all your getting, get an understanding.  We need to get an understanding that we probably won’t get it right on the first try.  After all, no one expects a child learning to walk to get it right the first time and keep going.  Let your setbacks be less of a surprise and more of a time to strategize on how to avoid them in the future.
4. Don’t significantly alter your course before your 30 days is over.  Evaluating sooner than 30 days can sabotage good efforts and can give false readings.  Results take time.
5. Don’t deny yourself.  I’m a believer that our lives go in the direction of our predominate thought.  If we’re really craving something, it’s much better to satisfy it than to be pushed into a binge.

So, go ahead and fulfill one of those New Year’s resolutions or goals that will help you model the kind of behavior you want your children to imitate.

Now that you have a few ideas, get ready, set, and give yourself 30 days to begin.

Copyright © 2008 by Angelita Jacobs. All Rights Reserved.

About Angelita...