January 1st is not a Magical Day

Pretty much everyone I know is excited for the New Year. And they get excited every year, just like I do. It is “new.” A new year of hope and dreams realized. A year of, “This will be the year….” However, as we roll into January 2^nd or 3^rd we soon realize it is just another year, just another day. We fall into the trap thinking the strike of midnight on 12/31 is magical and suddenly our wildest dreams come true. Often, they don’t. The calendar is new, but we stay the same.

We set resolutions and goals; we do all the planning, but it seems like we quickly run out of steam. What happened to all the magic? I know at this point you are thinking, “Thanks a lot Jon for being such a downer!” My hope is not to bring you down but encourage you to really be proactive and intentional with your new year. – Newness does not just happen, but we can create it. Making the year new is not as hard as you might think.

Go Small

Don’t go big and don’t go home either. Going big is overrated. The reason we lose the newness so quickly is we try to do too much. If you have more than 3 or 5 goals, you have too many.  It is more effective to create new habits / systems that you do consistently over time. Small habits done consistently will reap huge harvests. Some great books are Atomic Habits by James Clear (you can read my review here Atomic Habits Review) and All It Takes is a Goal by Jon Acuff.

Create Margin

Leave space in your calendar for the unexpected. Unforeseen events will always happen. Leave room for them.  Don’t time block out every waking hour. Leave time to rest, to spend time with family and time to do something just for you.

Keep the Faith

As part of my faith, I know that time in God’s word (Bible) and payer are crucial. I try to read through the Bible every year, but it is not really about quantity. It is more about being consistent. (there is that word again) It is also important to join with other Christians as often as possible. Life really is designed to live in community.

Stay the Course

Know upfront there will be days, weeks, maybe even months where you slack off. That is OK. Right now, at this moment, give yourself permission to occasionally be a slacker. Again, think margin. If you fail, get up and go again. Don’t try to catch up, just pick up where you left off. Remember the real goal is to be more consistent.

Make the New Year Magical

2024 is your year. Own it, and make it happen. Don’t wait for the magic to just happen. You will be waiting for a long time. Every January 1, first day of the month, every Monday, is a day to getup and make the new happen. You’ve got this; 2024 is your year. I hope you have a wonderful New Year!! Let’s make it happen!!

Photo / Image created via Canva

How can I pray for you this week? – click here to send me your request

Be sure and subscribe to my YouTube Channel

P.S. Don’t miss out. Sign up for free updates. Then be sure and connect on Facebook!

About the Author: Jon Stallings

I am enthusiastic about helping others discover their purpose and grow into a deeper relationship with Jesus. It is great to see their eyes light up at their “Ah Ha!” moment when they discover they were created for something more. My hope is that this blog will help encourage and inspire you along your way. Join the conversation and take the time to share with me your own story. I have been married to my beautiful wife Janice for over 30 years. We currently live in McDonough Georgia with our daughter. Our two boys have left the nest and we have two wonderful grand kids. Of course we cannot forget about our dog Bear.