The Year Of Self Discipline

It's that time again. Time for self reflection and self evaluation. I love making New Year's resolutions. But before I tell you about this year's resolutions, I'll update you on how I did on last year's.

My first resolution last year was to read at least 2 books. Crazy ambitious, I know. And guess what? I accomplished this one! Go me.

Next, I resolved to watch less TV. I didn't do so well on this one. I still watch way too much TV.

Next, I resolved to dress more professionally at work. Again, not so much. I just can't justify dressing up for the kind of work I do. It's just not part of the culture. I will say that whenever I have to teach a class or give a seminar, I do make an effort to dress up (but I always did this, so I can't really count it as an improvement). Oh well. Maybe some day.

Finally, I resolved to be more physically fit. I kind of made progress in this area. I did in fact join a gym, I just haven't gone very often.

Now onto my resolutions for this year. I am proclaiming 2010 as my Year of Self Discipline. I know, I know, sounds like a lot of fun. But, you know what? Self discipline is exactly what I need. I think I'm getting about 40% out of my life right now. This is probably because I'm only putting about 40% effort into most areas of my life - some areas are getting more (like Harper is probably getting around 95%), but some are getting even less (don't make me mention these ones). So...in order to rectify this situation and ultimately enjoy my life more, I am making several resolutions that all revolve around me being more self disciplined in one way or another. I'm writing these down for you to read for a reason. I need to be held accountable for these things. I give you, all of you, permission to check up on me.

Ok, here's my first one: I resolve to spend quiet time with God first thing every morning. I wake up a good hour before my alarm goes off in the morning. And guess what I've been doing with that hour. I lay in bed and worry about and dwell on things. Little things, big things - it doesn't matter. I worry and dwell about lots of things which is absolutely the biggest waste of time in the world. I know better. So, instead of beginning my days like this, I resolve to get up and spend time with the Lord. I don't have an agenda for this time. Some days I'll probably read, some days I'll probably just pray, some days I might sing a song. But, I do intend to keep a journal of my mornings. I feel like God has been trying to talk to me for a long time and I just don't make time to listen to what He is saying. Quieting my own voice is hard for me. But, as an act of worship, I resolve to be more disciplined in this area.

I have other resolutions too. I'm going to break them up into several posts. So stay tuned. As I go along, please let me know if you are resolving some of the same things or if you have had success in a particular area. I think I'm going to need all of the help and encouragement I can get this year.