5 Priorities to Make in 2019
Tomorrow is the start of a new year and I must say I am astonished at how quickly 2018 has come and gone! 2018 has been a good year–a challenging year, but a good one, nonetheless! Over the last few days, I have been reflecting over 2018 to determine what I did right while trying not to beat myself up for all the many things I did wrong. My husband and I even reviewed our 2018 goals to determine how we can make 2019 more impactful, successful and purposeful. After reading a post regarding planning for the New Year, a phrase stood out that will actually change the way we plan for 2019. The author stated “we should make ‘priorities’ and not ‘resolutions’.” Although I do not make resolutions, I love the “priority-concept.” Why? For most, resolutions will have been broken and forgotten about by January 14th. If, however, we make priorities, it will become our focus and everything else will come second to it. So, what are some areas we can begin prioritizing? Here are five (5) areas we all can focus on in 2019.
#1 Faith
As Christians, faith is the most important part of our lives. Many times, growing in our faith may not make it to the top of our daily “to-do” list, if it makes it at all. So, what can we do to make our faith become a priority in 2019? Well, it does not have to entail quitting our job to go do missions in a third-world country. No, it can be as simple as reading one scripture each day, joining a Small Group Bible Study at church, or even downloading a Bible app that will remind us to read its daily devotional. This way, not only will we begin to grow spiritually, but our daily actions will become a priority giving way to spiritual growth.
#2 Family
Most people would say family is the most important relationship we will build in our lifetime. In this this day in time, however, we have so many distractions with work, school, extracurricular activities, and social media that hinders us from building those strong family ties. If we, however, can focus on one thing that will help us prioritize our relationships, we will begin to see the benefits (and the blessing) of having healthy familial bonds. What are some ways to prioritize? Start small! Eat together as a family one time per week without phones, iPads or any distractions. If married, schedule monthly date nights (or even monthly lunch dates due to your schedules) with your spouse. It does not have to be big or expensive; it just needs to become a priority. Take the time to take small steps to make your family a priority in 2019.
#3 Finance
When helping families manage their finances, most people, especially at the beginning of the year, want to create these lofty (sometimes unattainable) goals for the year. I always advice them that focusing on less is actually best. You do not have to pay off every credit card bill you have created. Just focus on two. You do not have to have three to six months worth of savings in your Rainy Day Fund by February. Start by saving $1,000 and build from there. Making your finances a priority does not have to be grand affair. It just needs to be specific and attainable.
#4 Fitness
Fitness goals has been on my New Year’s to-do list for the last few years, but it has not manage to be on my “accomplished” list at all! Not because I don’t want to be healthy, but because I LOVE FOOD and despise working out. After turning 40 last year, I realized that I need more than a goal to become a “healthier me.” I need to make health and fitness a priority. So, after a friend posted about her weight-loss in a short amount of time a few months back, I knew I had to begin prioritizing. And after joining the program she was on, I finally realized accountability was the the key to being a healthier me. As a result, I was able to lose over 10 lbs which was my goal for 2018. If making fitness will be a priority for you in 2019, figure out what works best for you. Whether it is a program, an exercise video or an accountability partner, determine the best way you can become a healthier YOU in 2019.
#5 Fearless Living
I run into tons of people, both men and women, who state they would love to do start a business, learn a second language or even become well traveled. Most people, however, do not start because of fear. Fear they will not be successful, fear of the unknown or even fear of stepping out of their comfort zone. In 2019, make it a priority to do one thing that will move your closer to a dream you have, even if it scares you just a little. You do not have to quit your job to do it; you can just start small. If you have always wanted to learn another language, make it a priority to find an online or weekend class to take in 2019. If you always wanted to have a baking business, make it a priority to tell your friends to hire you to bake their kids’ cupcakes for their birthday parties. If you love educating people to have a better life, launch a podcast to equip and encourage people to live fearlessly. It’s what I am doing!
In essence, create priorities in 2019 that will allow you to focus on what is important in your life–your faith, your family, your finances, and being fit (your health) so you can begin living your life fearlessly.
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What is one area in your life that you will prioritize in 2019? Leave a comment.
Have a fabulous New Year!
