We are at that place on the calendar where New Year’s resolutions go to die. Rubber, meet Road.
Whatever goals we began 2022 with, we have hit the make it or break it point. I am from a generation that liked to set New Year’s resolutions- perhaps you are not. Maybe you are a SMART goals person, or a “create sustainable rhythms” fan. (I am too after reading Atomic Habits by James Clear last year!) But whatever method you use, there comes a moment in all growth where progress either stops or you find a break through.
There is a sure fire way to sustain growth, make progress, achieve goals. It’s not fancy or flashy. In fact it’s so boring it seems impossible to be the secret ingredient to growth and change, but it is. You ready?
Just.Keep.Going.
That’s it. Whatever else has to happen to achieve your goals and dreams, it happens on the other side of you still being there, showing up and not quitting.
Wanting to develop a healthier lifestyle? Keep buying vegetables, counting steps, drinking water, going to the gym, taking vitamins- whatever you told yourself you needed to be healthier- keep doing it.
Wanting to improve your marriage? Keep going to counseling, having date night, forgiving, communicating, reading the book or devotional- keep aiming and trying for it.
Wanting to grow spiritually? Keep reading your bible, praying, seeking out mentors, confessing sin, going to small group, memorizing scripture, practicing stillness- keep sticking with it.
And here is the thing- don’t stop because you paused for a week. Don’t stop because it doesn’t seem to be working (yet). Don’t stop because your partner stopped. Don’t stop because you feel sick of it.
JUST KEEP GOING!
“Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and RUN WITH PERSEVERANCE the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus…” (Hebrews 12:1-2)
“And we know that suffering produces PERSEVERANCE, perseverance, character and character, hope.” (Romans 5:3-4)
“The righteous man falls down seven times, but GETS BACK UP.” (Proverbs 24:12)
Seriously, Keep going.
Sometimes when you keep going it means showing up over and over until you finally feel connected to someone else or even yourself- an “ah-ha” moment. Sometimes it means trying again and again until you develop a strength or understanding only accessible through repetition. Sometimes you just get so sick of doing the dang thing without success that you get mad about it- and that gives you the energy to push harder or longer so you reach the goal. Sometimes you attract other people, inspired by seeing you keep going and now you have the support needed to complete the journey. The way perseverance works changes depending on the process you are not quitting on- but it works.
No matter how many times you have tried and failed at achieving a goal or dream or plan before- this truth about perseverance still applies. Decide you are going to start again and this time, just keep going.