With a new year once again upon us, you’ve probably thought of several positive changes you want to make & areas you want to improve in 2012.  As you consider steps to improvement, I encourage you to ask yourself: “What is my motivation for improving?” People often set goals or make New Year’s resolutions not because they’re focusing on the benefits change would bring but because they think they should change.  But the motivation of “should” will rarely result in lasting change.  It’s the motivation of “I want to” that will bring positive transformation to our lives.  This is true in whatever area of life you’d like to see changes take place.

One example to consider is increasing your physical health.  Many approach this from the attitude of, “I should exercise, I should eat better, I should lose weight.”  Although this approach to physical change is common, it’s actually very shallow & your motivation to make changes will probably weaken quickly.  Instead, consider the benefits increased physical health would bring to your life, such as being able to play more with your children/grandchildren, increased attentiveness on the job, greater enjoyment during physical activities, & living longer so you can be a blessing to several generations after you.

I encourage you to write down the goals you desire to reach this year, and then write as many results you can think of that will take place as you seek to attain these goals.  Then when you are challenged with thoughts to give up on your goals – & these thoughts come to all of us – get out what you’ve written down to remind yourself why you’re doing what you’re doing.  Having a strong motivation to change will help propel you into becoming the person you want to become & that God wants you to become!