A new year means new motivation for projects and goals, right? Ringing in the new year in the dead of winter seems a bit counterintuitive. We’ve put most of the Christmas 
decorations away – we’ll save the lights for after Epiphany tomorrow. We’re still on Winter Break from school so our schedule is wonderfully relaxed but it’s still thrown off. It’s dark out early and I find myself struggling to get motivated. (I realize this is a Northern Hemisphere problem – my guess is that our Southern neighbors have a completely different view of new year’s goals.)
Maybe we need to set goals while we’re in hibernation mode? Maybe ringing in the new year right after the shortest day of the year is a way of keeping hope and looking forward to a season when it’s just easier to be motivated.
What I’m learning about my new year’s goals and hopes is that they don’t need to be achieved in January. Setting these goals is an act of hope for the entire year – for direction during those cozy, lethargic winter days as well as those bouncy, energetic spring days.
Many others have linked the season of winter to our own spiritual growth – of letting our roots dig in without signs of life; of giving ourselves rest to produce fruit later. I’m learning to take this approach even more globally.
As I read and learn about global conflict and am motivated to examine my own participation in activism, I’m also recognizing this season of growing my roots, of setting down a foundation before I act. As I look ahead in our family’s next stages, I remember that this is a season of growing strong roots in our girls – that this time before we send them off is mundane yet incredibly valuable.
I’m learning to view my goals and resolutions and one word as a long-term vision, not a quick checklist. That I’m on a slow walk through life, not a spirit or even a marathon.
How do you pace yourself in January? How do you balance goals with resolutions; short-term ideas with long-term visions?
Linked with Five Minute Friday, a time to write without editing. Today’s prompt is “motivate.”
Annie Rim 
Hi Annie,
Great ideas. And I know God will lead you to His purposes as you listen to Him.
I love this sentence. “I’m learning to view my goals and resolutions and one word as a long-term vision, not a quick checklist.”
Long term visioning is very important and day to day faithfulness too.
Blessings
Janis Cox FMF #24
I tweeted your post.
Thanks, Janis! It’s so true – without the daily faithfulness, no long-term goal works. Thanks for stopping by!
Great thoughts, Annie. I try to keep long-term goals in mind (even when the concept seems absurd for me!) and set short-term and modest goals that will at least allow progress…but without pressuring myself. I’ve reached the limit of how hard I can push, and now have to rely on simple Grace.
I’d imagine long-term goals matter, no matter what the short-term looks like… And, Grace infused in everything is always key, right? Thanks for reading!
I really liked your post about reading negative reviews. I never thought that that small act would open a door to understanding. I pace my goals by doing what I want to do right away. That seems to quicken my pace for those “should do’ goals.
Thanks – I’m trying to remember that it really is the small things that make changes… I’ve read about prioritizing goals like that – may need to try it out!
Good thoughts – enjoyed. I agree…those dark mornings are extra hard to wake up to:)
Happy New Year –
Thanks for stopping by! Dark mornings are sooo tough! 😉
Long rather than short term..
Yes!
I need that big picture reminder!
Even in our warmer days with more sunlight, I’ve been thinking hibernation sounds good. I’ve also been thinking about its purposes and appreciate you touched on that here.
I kinda like hibernating… If only the girls did, too! 😉 I need to remember that God orders our rhythms and the seasons thoughtfully and I need to pay attention…
Hi Annie, thanks for sharing this! I have a really hard time when I leave for work in the dark and come home in the dark- it just feels so depressing and I lack motivation. Thanks for giving permission to extend your goals beyond just January and be more realistic!
I’m so glad it resonated! It goes against my checklist personality but it’s so freeing knowing we have twelve whole months to achieve or reevaluate our goals!