So, for the third year in a row – I'm going to attempt to focus my year on three words. I got this idea from many of my friends who got it from @chrisbrogan.
In 2010 I focused on "Read, Play, & Share"
In 2011 I focused on "Mastery, Replication & Inheritance"
This year, 2012, I'm going to focus on "Discipline, Invest & Act"
Discipline – I have fallen way out of discpline in recent years. When I really want to do something, or really want to be discplined (and put my mind to it), God can do some really cool things inside me. However, I am also pretty stubborn, and lazy, and like to do whatever I want whenever I want. Frankly, I've gotten sloppy.
This #muffintop picture; for example, is proof that discipline has not been part of 2011.
I am trying to get back into my routine of reading, and some exercise I hope, and want to drop about 25 pounds. I think I have some friends that are going to join me in some Muffintop Eradication! I am starting this year re-reading Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster. I have some God stuff i need to get fixed but also some general "discipline" things to address this year and I figured this book would be a good place to start. Again.
Invest – I would like to think my friends see me as generous. I try to be generous with my finances, and time, and energy – but in many ways I'm selfish. I want to nap. I want to just hang out at home. And many times (confession time here), I just want to be left alone. I like to put in my headphones and listen to music and get lost in my own thoughts trying to solve the unsolvable problems. I have a weird brain thing that many of my friends see and know about – and it's easy to get lost inside this head of mine.
This year I want to continue to invest finances in our local church, to various friends and family who need/ask, and support some worthy causes that God places in front of us. That gets easier every year. I want to invest time in my Life Group at Springdale because my friends are important to me and I need to actually start – you know – doing more life with them. I want to meet new friends, and invest in them. And I hope to re-invest in some other friendships that I've neglected the last year or so.
Act – I've often been accused of talking alot. I know that's surprising to many of you that really know me. I **DO** like to talk. What's interesting though is that the time comes when you need to Act. I've talked about this before. Do what you need to do. Say what you need to say. Make the call, say the words, do the tough things. In me, personally and specifically, it means I need to go bed. I need to play with my kids. I need to ACT on many things that I know need to be done. In 2012, I want to be more intentional to not just KNOW what needs to be done and not just TALK about what I am going/wanting to do… but I want 2012 to be the year I ACT on it.
So, how about you? What's 2012 going to be like for you? How is it going to be different?
Just one word for me this year, Gratitude. Being aware of the current moments, the blessings I’ve already been given…and taking the time to be truly thankful for them.
I’ll be praying for you this year!