Know Your Why

The new year begins, along with a new attitude. And new goals (or reaffirming old ones). This year will be different. This year I’ll lose the weight, eat healthier, declutter the house, build a business, finish that project, be more patient, etc.

But how do we keep our new attitude day after day? Week after week? How do we keep the procrastination from creeping back in? How do we remain committed when the daily grind overwhelms us?

King Solomon wisely declared, “Where there is no vision, the people perish.” (Proverbs 29:18). The New Living Translation says, “the people run wild.” In today’s world, there are so many things vying for our attention, it is easy to run wild.

Or get lost.

Or both.

King Solomon knew it was important to know where he was headed–before his journey began. In a time where he didn’t have to check his email, update his Facebook status, or share his palace photos on Instagram. He had a plan in place. He had a vision. And he stayed focused on that vision.

What are we hoping to achieve? What is our vision? Is our goal to lead our team with more confidence? To learn a new skill? Or give up a bad habit or two, or run a marathon?

Moses had a clear goal. His goal was to lead the Israelites to the Promised Land. To the land flowing with milk and honey. And he kept that vision in his mind for 40 years as he led the Israelites through the desert. At the end of his life, when he knew he would not be allowed to enter the Promised Land, his vision was still focused on the people of Israel. He told God to appoint them a new leader, so they wouldn’t wander as sheep with no shepherd. So they wouldn’t run wild.

We need to keep our vision in mind, too. Not just as we begin a new year, but all year long. For the long, dark days ahead when it’s easier to give up than keep going. And for the warm weather days when the sunshine beckons and we long to run wild and free.

To help keep our vision in mind, include the reason for our goal. What’s our why behind it? Why do we want it? Why are we passionate about this goal?

Moses didn’t wander in the wilderness for 40 years for the fun of it. He had a purpose. He had an important why. A passionate why.

What is our passionate why? Is our reason passionate enough to keep us focused on good days and bad? During times of stress and weariness? Is our goal in line with the Lord’s vision for our life? We have a Good Shepherd who will lead us. Pray about it. Ask for guidance. Will this goal bring us closer to the Promised Land? Or farther away?

Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. Psalm 25:4

“Jesus gives us hope because He keeps us company, has a vision and knows the way we should go.”
- Max Lucado

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Download the Fearless in 30 Challenge. Everyday, for the next 30 days, do something that scares you. Record your thoughts, actions, and results in your journal, and at the end of the Challenge review how far you’ve come.