The new year is almost here. And while I doubt life will magically return to “normal” on January 1, I am looking forward to 2021 more than I normally anticipate new years. No, our circumstances won’t instantly improve with a new year, but I am setting some goals that could propel me forward in several areas of my life. And today, in my YouTube video, I’m sharing 5 systems that will help me achieve those goals. I bet at least one or two of these systems could help you achieve your 2021 goals, too.
Do you set goals at the beginning of the year? I realize we’re not even past Christmas yet. But I’ve discovered that I need to begin preparing by mid-December for the new year or I’m always caught off guard. That week between Christmas and New Year’s Day always flies for me.
But I’ve discovered that it’s not enough to set goals. I also need to have systems in place to make those goals achievable. And NOW is the time to get those systems set up so that we’re ready to hit the road running come January 1.
In today’s video I’m simply sharing five of the systems I’ll be using all year this year to help me accomplish five goals. Oh yes, I’m sharing my five goals, too!
Watch the Video
If for any reason the video player doesn’t load below, you can watch the video on YouTube HERE.
Pro tip: To learn more about how to set goals for the new year and how to set yourself up for success, check out this post, 3 New Years Resolutions I Kept and How.
System #1 – Cultivate What Matters PowerSheets
Today is the last day you can order PowerSheets Goal Planners from Cultivate What Matters and ensure delivery by New Year’s Day. So this is your day! Why? Because Cultivate What Matters also graciously gave me a coupon code just for MY VIEWERS & READERS. That’s YOU!
Use code KAYHARMS25 when placing your order and you’ll receive 25% off the price of your PowerSheets Goal Planner. Many of their other items are already discounted. This code is only valid through Thursday, December 24, 11:59 p.m. EST. (I have a feeling the PowerSheets may be discounted on Christmas Day, too, but that will be too late to get them by New Year’s day, and some styles are already selling out.
I think the PowerSheets Goal Planners are also a great gift for a young woman in your life. I’m purchasing them for my daughter.
System #2 – The Life Principles Daily Bible
It’s been several years since I last read the Bible through, so I’m looking forward to doing it again this year. If you’ve never read the entire Bible, I invite you to join me. When you use a daily reading Bible it’s really quite doable. This Bible breaks down your daily readings into a portion of the Old Testament, a portion of the New Testament, a portion of Psalms and a few verse of Proverbs.
But the feature I like the best about the Life Principles Daily Bible is that it also includes great study helps. It includes 30 life principles based on scripture as well as historical and cultural context helps. This is a daily Bible that will really equip you to live differently in light of what you’re reading.
System #3 – First 5 App
I’ve been using the First 5 app for my daily quiet times for over 5 years and I absolutely love it. You can download the app onto your tablet or phone for convenient use. Even when you’re travelling, you’ll be able to access this great resource, so you’ll never have to miss your devotional time again.
You can learn more about this system and begin the download process here. I suggest you click through on the device on which you’d like to download the app.
System #4 – FASTer Way to Fat Loss
In the video I said my goal is to “stay fit” this year. But in truth I realize now that I’ve gained a good bit of weight this year. I’m going to blame it on the pandemic. Ha! Well it has been somewhat of a different year. And my gym was closed a good bit of the year. But I know the blame really lies with me.
So I’m not just staying on the FASTer Way membership plan; I’m actually enlisting in the VIP 6-week challenge, which is really another round of the initial FWTFL. So I’ll be counting and posting my macros, scheduling my meals ahead of time, participating in bi-weekly 24-hour fasts and checking in with my coach more frequently. That means that if you sign up for the FWTFL you’ll be right there with me. Or I’ll be right there with you! And yes, you absolutely can do this program even in your 50s and above.
If you have questions about the FWTFL, please ask me in the comments so when I answer others can see. There are no dumb questions either. I realize this is a big investment. But I’m here to tell you it is worth it. You are worth it. When I first enrolled in FWTFL I used Christmas gift money. And for my second round, I used birthday gift money. And those were the best gifts I could have given myself.
You can learn the answers to so many of your questions about the FASTer Way to Fat Loss here, at their website. And don’t forget, there’s a men’s program, too. So you and your husband can actually work this program together.
System #5 – Abide App
It’s not only the goals that require a lot of hard work and sacrifice that are worthwhile. Sometimes the best thing we can do for ourselves is slow down and grab hold of some peace and solitude and calm thinking. The Abide app offers opportunities for scriptural meditation and bedtime stories. You’ll find all the information here.
Again, this is an app you’ll want to download onto your tablet or phone, so click through on that device to download the Abide app. There is a free version, but it doesn’t provide very long meditations and has only limited bedtime stories. Still it’s a good way to try the app out. Then, if you like it and want more from it you can pay the small fee for the 1-year membership.
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Blessed for My Day
I have to wonder if God didn’t choose Mary and Joseph to be Jesus’ parents because their lives were characterized by obedience. They didn’t just obey in the big moments, either. They obeyed God’s law in the little things, too. When it came time for Mary’s purification and the baby’s presentation to the Lord at the temple, these poor, homeless, weary parents sacrificed accordingly in obedience to God’s commands.
It’s easy to use our circumstances as an excuse for disobedience. Whether we choose not to tithe or support our church because funds are tight or we decide to harbor a nasty attitude because we’re tired and weary of being taken advantage of, those excuses are poor reasons to disobey God. Let’s take a cue from Mary and Joseph and determine today to live holy, set apart lives…even when it isn’t easy.
And when the time came for their purification according to the Law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every male who first opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord”) and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the Law of the Lord, “a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.” ~ Luke 2:22-24
Wow, Kay! What a fantastic video and tips! I am going to look into a few of these systems right now. Thank you!
Yes Kay. We must all obey the Lord in the big and all of the small things in life. They all matter to Him! Thank you for your post! Merry Christmas to everyone! We must keep our eyes on the Lord. He is the reason for this precious season!
Thanks so much for reading, Natalie. Blessings! ?
I’m not a goal setter personally or professionally. We have to set goals for work and I agonize over this every year. I find what my goals are at one point in time are very different than what they need to be another time. I also find goals to be to dualistic. You either make your goal or not, while not taking in account what you’ve learned in the process. So, instead I work on habits, procedures, and practices. Most areas I work on are continual. There is is no final goal to accomplish. Writing or journaling helps me reflect on the direction I’m going.
Thanks for these suggestions! I will try some of them! I already use the First 5 app and LOVE it! I have especially enjoyed the advent devotionals First 5 has been doing this season. I will download the Abide app as well. Thank you for this post. I will be looking at all the suggestions in the next few days.
Kay! Love your 5 systems that you shared! Thank you!
I was especially pleased to hear that you want to get an assistant. I have sensed that you’ve felt overwhelmed, at times. You put so much time and depth into your posts, which is great, but remember that you don’t always need to do that. Sometimes, there’s so much information!! I say this with love, not with criticism. You’re amazing and I hope you will remember to give yourself some grace, too. ?
Enjoy these few days of rest before the new year.
Many blessings to you and your family in 2021!
I use Dwell, and love listening to the Word. I can select the speaker and whether or not I want music in the background. It has a great sleep feature too.
What about the calendaring system makes it so functional? I’m always looking for calendaring systems – this year I’m going with Franklin. I started in December and it seems to work very well.
thanks for the information and the video! I really appreciate it.
Hi Nancy. I like the Cultivate What Matters because it combines goal setting and calendaring. And it has what they call tending pages where you keep your daily, weekly and monthly goals in front of you that help you stay focused on the overall goals you’ve set. I just finished setting mine up today. Thanks for watching. And for sharing what you like.