Expectations Require Effort

Well here we are! A new year and a chance for new beginnings. So exciting isn’t it? We set goals and make resolutions to lose weight, make more money, start saving money, quit smoking, start exercising, etc., etc. And how many times have you heard someone say “I’m expecting good things this year”? I’ve heard, said and believed it, but you know what was missing? I didn’t put forth any effort toward those expectations. Have you done this in the past? How many new years resolutions have you made and within 2 weeks or less you forgot about them? And what does it mean when we say “I’m expecting good things this year”? How are you expecting them to happen? Miraculously, out of the blue, or just because you think they’re going to happen or they’re something you’d like to happen? We can expect all we want, but if we don’t put forth some effort and work toward our goals and dreams, it ain’t just gonna happen…trust me…been there, done that too many times!

So, what can you do to meet your own expectations?

First you need to do some brainstorming. What are your goals and dreams for the new year? Write them down and allow yourself to dream BIG. Don’t put a limit on your dreams at this point. If you could do anything, and time, space and money were no object, what would you do? Write it down; write all of your BIG dreams down on paper; write BIG and just let your imagination flow.

Once you’ve done that, take a break, take a nap, take a day or two, then come back to your paper and write down your immediate goals, dreams, concerns. So, you wanna make more money? How much money do you need to pay your bills, stop living from paycheck to paycheck, pay off debt, start saving money? Write it down. Do you need a new car or car repairs? How much will they cost? Write it down. Do you need house repairs or perhaps even your own place to live? How much do you need to do that? Write it down. Is there something you need for your business or school; like a new laptop, computer or other expensive equipment? How much money do you need to purchase this item? Write it down. Perhaps you want to start school or go back to school? How much will it cost? Write it down.

Do you have other goals that you know will take a few months or years to reach? Write them down. See, the idea is to get these things out of your head and in front of your face so you can begin to sort them out, one by one, and begin working on one or two bigger goals at a time. If you know how much money you need to make in order to pay all your bills, pay off debt and start saving money, then you can set goals to help you reach that income level. Perhaps you’ll start a new business, or get a 2nd job, or even finally ask for that promotion or raise you’ve been wanting but too afraid to ask.

If you are expecting great things this year, then start putting forth the effort to see those expectations come to fruition.

I cannot close this post without this though: Put God first in everything you do, in your life, in your business, in your relationships, and He will give you the desires of your heart. (Psalm 37:4-5, Matt. 6:33) Seek HIM first, let God be the giver of your dreams and your hearts desires, and you will always be successful, joyous and fulfilled.

Happy New Year!

photo credit: lululemon athletica

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