3 Ways To Have A Fresh Start This Year

Did you ever get a redo in school? I did and man, I needed it. Far too often I was not prepared and after I did badly on a test, to get a redo was huge. Of course, the second time around I did better because I learned from my mistake and was able to pass the test.

Unfortunately, I didn’t learn the life lesson until later, and still was unprepared and needed another redo.

This is how I think of New Year’s.

It’s a chance for a redo and to do better because we’ve learned from the previous year. Seeing it this way gives hope that no matter what happened last year, we can look ahead and believe, the best is yet to come!

As leaders, our redo’s will impact ourselves and others. Our family will follow, our co-workers will follow and those we lead will follow. There is weight to this but that’s a part of being a leader. We’re called to lead and we’re empowered to do it.

I live these verses from the Bible to encourage as I move forward with a new start in 2023.

“The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives.”

Psalms‬ ‭37‬:‭23‬

“The way of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, which shines ever brighter until the full light of day.”

Proverbs‬ ‭4‬:‭18‬

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”

Jeremiah‬ ‭29‬:‭11‬

These promises give comfort that, my new start is through God. My redo’s are through him and because of that, I’m freed from the unnecessary pressure of being perfect.

So today, in 2023 what things do you want a new start in?

There’s no doubt we all have them so the question is, what will we do about it?

God’s promises are true but we have to apply them in our lives. He does his part but we have to do our part.

Here are three ways to do our part.

First, we commit our year to God.

This is big because when he’s leading our lives, we will see his promises in our lives. This question determines so much, “Who’s in charge?”

When we commit our year to God we’re saying, “You’re way is better than mine. I’m choosing to do life your way and I’m going to make you number one.”

This takes intentionality on our part but when we do, our lives can realize their full potential and have a purpose!

Second, have clear goals.

When it comes to goals we need to be clear and narrow-focused. Ambiguity does not help with goals and a broad focus doesn’t help either.

Clear and specific, keep us focused and directed on what we’re aiming at. Then, our focus is narrowed and our energy is heightened to achieve that goal.

So this year, I encourage you to be specific and have a narrowed focus on a few goals and go for it.

Third, feed yourself the right stuff.

Of course, our diet is important and I encourage you to eat well and take care of yourself. I also believe that feeding ourselves the right content daily is equally important.

So, I encourage you to read the Bible daily. Get a plan and work it out. Then, have a plan of how many books you want to read this year. Leaders are readers so have a plan. It flows easier. Get a podcast that feeds your leadership skills and who you are.

These three things are HUGE in the content area and when this is right, our mindset and attitude will follow.

Side note, it’s my encouragement to limit the intake of the news, media, conspiracy, theories, and more.

Stay focused and feed your soul and spirit with the right things. When God is for you, who can be against you?

Our time is now and the days are limited, so maximize this year with a new start!

May 2023 be your best year yet!
PD