The Biggest Mistake People Make in the New Year

By:  Jill Shea

It’s a New Year and you’re ready for a change.  I'm about to share something very personal with you.   

Did you make any resolutions or goals, why do some achieve their goals and others don’t?  

Are you tired, running through your day the minute you wake up without a moment to breathe?

Are you depressed, feeling overwhelmed, do you feel alone even when you're in a room filled with people?

You may already be doing what I am going to share and if that’s the case BRAVO!  I’m a late bloomer and didn’t start applying this practice until I was in my forties.  Better late than never! Thank you God! 

We all know that daily habits make a profound difference.  If you want to lose weight …replace the junk food with healthy food.  If you want to quit smoking… replace the smoking habit with a healthy habit.   By the way, I used to take a walk around the block every time I would want a cigarette and would hold a straw like a cigarette and inhale air through it.  I was able to kick the smoking habit with that technique.   I've tried several different ways to quit smoking and this one worked the best for me, I know other people who had success with the patch and hypnosis too. 

Here’s the biggest and mistake I see people make in the New Year.  We make goals or resolutions and start hoping for a real change only to skip the foundation.  What's the foundation?  A relationship with God.

It wasn’t until I let go and let God do His will in my life that everything started to fall into place.  I completely surrendered, waiving my white flag… I GIVE UP!  I can’t do life like this anymore, I keep trying and trying to do everything my way and never felt satisfied or good enough. 

Now here’s the next step to laying the foundation… after completely surrendering I then started each day with quiet, uninterrupted alone time with God.  That meant getting up earlier than everyone else so I could just sit and be in complete silence.   This is how you can pour the foundation for your day.  I used that time to talk with God and learn more about Him by  seeking God’s presence, equipped with my Bible, journal and pen.  

My wonderful friend Michelle once told me any time spent with God is never time wasted.   I loved that!  I knew if I stayed on this course and didn’t veer to the left or right I’d be walking on the right road.   You really can have an unspeakable joy!  God continues to amaze me every day!  If your faith hasn't changed you, it hasn't saved you.  Start pouring the foundation TODAY!

He restored my health after being diagnosed with an auto-immune disease, He helped me take those steps in losing the 30 pounds I put on in a year.  He helped me see a whole new future and path for my life and it’s one I never would have dreamed of for myself.  How cool is that! 

This is not a quick fix.  In fact, you may find things get harder before they get better.  Stay the course. Remember time spent with God is never time wasted.  Give it time.

Laying the foundation can be built in the pockets of your time too.  There were days when life threw me a curve ball and the morning didn’t start as planned.  Don't let that stop you!  Sometimes that alone time has to be shifted to lunch time or I did it while waiting to pick my daughter up from school.  Just take DAILY action.

YOU have a unique story and purpose.  Don’t skimp on time spent with God each day. 

Below are the books I use every morning in my quiet time.    

• Life Application Study Bible (there is a 365-day reading plan in the back)
• Book of Proverbs (there are 31 Proverbs and it's known as the book of wisdom.  You can read one each day of the month to gain wisdom for your life and continue to do it each month)
• Jesus Calling by Sarah Young – GREAT short devotionals to read every day of the year with two Scriptures references for each day.

You're going places this year, this should inspire you to take action and live the life of your dreams.  You'll be glad you did. 

I'd love to hear what you think.  Leave a comment below. 

May He bless you with His presence.   

************************************************

Jill Shea is a Mompreneur, mentor, strategist and business owner.  Her story from college drop out to a million dollar plus business has inspired thousands.  She has over 20 years of business experience, 9 of those in the corporate world, 11 as a work-at-home mom and recently added work in children's ministry.  She specializes in helping others with life, prosperity and health.  

Tagged as: Inspiration, Life