It’s a new year and with it new year’s resolutions are in full swing. So at the risk of sounding negative, let me put things in perspective: How did you do with last year’s resolutions? I don’t mean to put a damper on this year’s resolutions, but let’s be honest. If you didn’t reach last year’s growth goals, then something must change this year to move your resolutions from aspirations to action. I believe that process requires answers to four important “growth questions”
Luke 2:52 says, “And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.” It is interesting to note that Jesus’ growth was intentional, focused, and balanced. He chose to grow and did so in key areas of life. And that brings us to our first growth question to begin the new year: In What Areas Do You Want to Grow? While this seems like a painfully obvious question, I have noticed that we often make three mistakes in this area:
- We Make Each Growth Area Too Broad – Choosing the areas in which we grow requires focus. When growth goals lack focus we tend to wander aimlessly. Narrow your goals and make them very specific.
- We Make Our Growth Areas Too Numerous – You have an entire lifetime to grow, so do try to cram it all in one year. Keep your number of growth goals limited…3-6 personal growth goals per year is usually plenty.
- We Focus Our Growth Areas on Weaknesses – Growth can focus on strengths, weaknesses, or liabilities. Strengths are those areas where God has gifted you. Liabilities are anything that can sabotage your character, relationships, responsibilities, and life purpose. Weaknesses are those areas where God did not gift you and/or non-essential growth areas. Keep your growth goals focused on building on strengths and addressing liabilities.
