Who doesn’t love the blank-slate feel of a new year? Every new year gives us permission to dream—and dream big—about the growth we want to see in ourselves and in our world.
But give it a few weeks, and it’s a whole different story.
Once the excitement of New Year’s Day wears off, we lose sight of what we wanted. We’re not sure it’s worth the hassle after all. We’re overwhelmed. We’re tired and hurting. We’re not sure it was even possible to begin with.
Studies show only about 8% of people who make New Year’s resolutions actually stick with them. If you’re thinking that’s a depressing statistic, look at it this way: You could be part of the 8% because you don’t have to rely on your own strength in this journey.
Here are a few encouraging stories from our Lifeway Women staff who saw their goals through to the end:
“I don’t make resolutions. Instead, I look for a direction or word from the Lord for the year. I evaluate from time to time throughout the year to see if I am making progress in the area God has spoken to me about.” –Chris
“Scripture memorization is a weakness for me. Several years ago I started doing the Siesta Scripture memory plan with Beth Moore and Living Proof Ministries. Your goal is to memorize 24 verses in one year. Every two weeks you put your name, where you are from, and the verse in comments on Beth’s blog. There is a level of accountability and discipline to work on your verses and stay consistent in reviewing them. LPM hosts a gathering after the year where all those who participated and memorized their verses come together and work on Scripture memory together. I’ve not participated in that, but the accountability every two weeks has kept me on track.” –Michelle
“A few years ago I ran a half marathon in conjunction with a nonprofit. Even though I was training alone, I had committed to meet a fundraising goal and therefore had to tell everyone I knew that I was running a half marathon and ask them to sponsor me. Not only was the accountability of my friends and family members helpful in meeting my goal, but I had a purpose behind what I was doing and a cause to meditate on as I trained. I’ve found that accomplishing goals for myself is important, but a good way to stick to them is to give them a greater purpose than personal achievement.” –Heather
If you’re determined to become a woman who doesn’t quit, look to Scripture for your strength and wisdom.
When you want to quit because you aren’t sure it’s worth it:
So we must not get tired of doing good, for we will reap the harvest at the proper time if we do not give up. –Galatians 6:9
When you want to quit because it feels like too much:
But You, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head. –Psalm 3:3
When you want to quit because you’re hurt:
The Lord is near the brokenhearted; He saves those crushed in spirit. –Psalm 34:18
When you want to quit because you’re tired:
Come to Me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. –Matthew 11:28
When you want to quit because it feels impossible:
Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” –Matthew 19:2
Even if you’ve already given up, it’s OK to start again! To keep yourself from quitting, print this PDF of the Scripture verses or right click on the image below to save it to your desktop.
And check out this message from Nicki Koziarz, author of the Bible study A Woman Who Doesn’t Quit , who tells us what the 5 habits of a woman who doesn’t quit are.
You’ve got this! What are you determined not to quit this year?
