How to Plan Out Your Amazing 2019
Intentionality is so critical. Reactionary life never goes anywhere.
Why not be intentional about your plan for next year? I like to put a plan in place to have the best year ever.
Here are my top four areas:
1. Spiritual growth
To grow spiritually simply requires knowledge and action on the Scripture. Plan to read the Bible completely through by reading the One Year Bible and One Year Devotional (15 minutes a day).
The average Christian is attending church 1 out of 4 weekends! You cannot spiritually grow by “self-feeding"alone…you should also be “fed” by spiritual authority. Plan to study the Word of God in your church every week this year except when you are out of town.
Temptation is best overcome by weekly interaction and accountability to a small group of close Christian friends. Plan to do life together with a small group in the spring and fall semester of this year.
2. Personal growth
Develop your own curriculum for growth. If you have a dream or an idea, no college can develop a personalized curriculum for you. Invest in your growth at least 30 minutes a day as you read, watch videos, attend conferences, and receive mentoring.
Plan to read one book a month. Many leaders read one book a week, some even more. Select books that directly relate to your idea and dream. You Tube also has hundreds of great videos in almost every area.
Subscribe to at least one podcast you can listen to in the car and while you exercise. You can redeem countless hours in the year by “double-dipping” in personal growth and physical growth. Download 10-15 back podcasts to have in the car and on your workout.
3. Physical health
Your heart is your greatest weakness as you age. Get an Apple Watch and start monitoring your daily exercise (bike, pool, run, walk, etc.). I wrote about my experience in You Can Walk Your Way to Confidence. Find something sustainable for 30 minutes, 5 days a week. Listen to podcasts the whole time!
For the “gung ho,” stretching and muscle building can also be placed into your schedule three times a week.
The average person needs 2000-2500 calories a day to support his lifestyle. Plan to reduce that every day to 1500 calories by one word: “PORTIONS.” That’s the way to lose weight over a year.
4. Family health
SPOUSE: Most of your marriage difficulties are failure to communicate and receive feedback…about the same identical problems! Read the book “Thanks for the Feedback” by Douglas Stone and Sheila Heen together as a couple in January.
KIDS: Emotional intelligence is the most important thing a child can learn. You must grow in this area yourself in order to train them in how to be calm, compassionate, courteous kids. Read the book “Emotional Intelligence” by Daniel Goleman in February.
There you go. You can do it. Craft your own plan but start developing it THIS WEEK.
You’ll thank me for it December 31st, 2019.