New Year's Resolutions

Very late Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year!!!
I know, at this time of the year, everyone, almost, talks about new year's resolutions. So, should I be any different? Well, I just had some thoughts that I would like to share about setting goals for the new year. I have been studying for a master's degree for almost two years now. My goal is to complete that in February. In the classes that I have taken, I have learned a LOT! Some of what I have learned can be applied today. How many times have we all set goals or new year's resolutions, start out the year on fire, then by the middle of January or February, we have all but given up on the goals. Here is something that I have learned: make your goals SMART. By SMART I mean the following: S - specific; M - measurable; A - attainable; R - realistic; T - timely. Setting goals is good. But, if the goals only serve to depress you, why have them. This year, I do have some goals, but I have followed the acronym SMART. By the end of this new year I will be able to look back and evaluate whether or not I have reached them, with God's help. BTW - that last phrase is super important: no matter how SMART a goal is, without God's help we'll never reach the goal. Lets remember Philippians 4:13 as we set goals. I pray that God bless you this year. Keep looking to Him in all that you do.