Don’t let the New Year, New You slogan become yours in 2023. Forget writing resolutions you’ll just bail on after a few days or weeks.
Choose small and winnable over large and sabotage.
This year take a new, easier approach to the New Year - start small.
"Do not despise these small beginnings, for the LORD rejoices to see the work begin, to see the plumb line in Zerubbabel's hand." Zechariah 4:10
The people of Israel had returned to Jerusalem from exile yet they had not rebuilt the people. The prophet Zechariah who has visions and dreams speaks and encourages the people to build again. Imagine starting a project as big as rebuilding the temple. Where to even start?
Start small. Simply begin.
Resolutions. Word of the Year. A to-do list. Goals. Strategic Plan. Whatever and however you approach the New Year start small. The benefits of starting small are numerous.
Gets you out of waiting and procrastination. The people of Israel had started and stopped building the temple. Can you relate to starting and stopping a goal, project? Starting small encourages one action. Especially a small one to get you on track.
Quick win. Small, quick wins will give you momentum to keep going. Wins are the rewards your brain needs to keep returning to the big project and taking a small action to bring it to completion.
Please God. God rejoices to see the work begin. Perhaps like the children of Israel God has given you a project or purpose, but you’ve not worked on it. It waits for you. The scripture says that God rejoices to see the work begin.
Looking at the New Year, don't try to start BIG. Break down your big Hope into a few small pieces and do just one until you can do the next small piece. Commit to the small things that will deepen your faith such as reading a daily verse instead of an entire chapter. Choose small but meaningful actions to strengthen your leadership such as saying thank you to volunteers, setting aside 20-30 minutes to dream or capture the idea that keeps coming to you but you make no time to sit with it.
After you choose the small thing, continue selecting the next small thing or the same one until you see results. Because small changes, consistently over time make a significant impact.
Choose small and winnable over large and sabotage.
Action Brings Clarity: Share your small act with me or a friend today.
