Habits
I’m going to be honest with you – sticking to healthy habits is not a strength of mine. I mean, I’m really good at starting them (for a day *cough*) but then I quickly fall off track. My weaknesses include: eating all the potato chips in one sitting, and refusing to do laundry on a weekly basis. And while I wish I could say I’ve suddenly discovered the “secret sauce,” the “7 steps to sticking with it,” that just wouldn’t be true. What I DO know is that when I look at my life and think about the things I do well, the habits that I haven’t given up on – one thing shines as the main ingredient: Community.
The activities that haven’t gotten lost to the “coulda, shoulda been” are the ones that I have friends, family, and neighbors encouraging me on and keeping me accountable. For me, that’s my workouts and my bible study. Because I have friends and family I go to the gym with, it’s rare that I miss a Tuesday and Thursday workout. Because I have friends that I do bible study with, you bet I’m there every Saturday morning and Monday evening.
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:24-25
What do you want to work on this year and how can you invite others to join you? Or how could you join someone who you know is already really good at that one thing?
If it’s budgeting, look for a role model in that area – maybe it’s a sibling, a friend, or a parent – and ask if they would help keep you accountable. If it’s healthy eating – join a community of others who are working towards the same goal. Whatever that new habit is – find your tribe, your cheerleaders and community.
You and I were built in the image of God who is Himself constantly surrounded with community as the Trinity – God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. So rather than trying to create habits all by ourselves – why don’t look at the example set by our creator and surround ourselves with others who can motivate us in our healthy pursuits? And then maybe, just maybe…I’ll actually have clean clothing this year.
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up…1 Thessalonians 5:11
Questions to ponder:
- What habits have you tried to create in the past on your own?
- Who could you invite or join this year to encourage you in your pursuit of creating new habits?
- How could you be encouraging others in your life who are looking to make a change this year?
