It’s time for “making the list” and “checking it twice”. And, no, we’re not talking about the big guy in the red suit [that was LAST week, try to keep up]. I’m talking about YOUR list. Or, more accurately, YOURS, MINE and OURS. The infamous ”New Year Resolutions List“. And, if you’re like me, you’re quietly pulling out last year’s list and quickly dusting it off….”Voila! All done!”
Ever feel you need a little helpful advice? Perhaps Albert Einstein has the answer:
Einstein
“The definition of insanity
is doing the same thing over and over again
and expecting different results.”
- Albert Einstein
I chuckled when I came across Einstein’s quip. Then, I thought about it a little longer. OK. How many insane people do you know? By that, I don’t mean the people-who-aren’t-taking-their-medication kind of insane. 
Rather, these are all the people you know, who, by Einstein’s definition are constantly complaining about problems and frustrations, but they never actually change their behavior. Instead, they continue to do the same things over and over again [or NOT do something, over and over again], just expecting things to magically improve.
Einstein’s quote is nothing short of brilliant. [but, of course it is! This is Einstein we're talking about]. What makes it double brilliant is that it works well in reverse [in essence]:
“Expecting the same results when doing the same things over and over again, is the hallmark of a sound mind!”
Or, perhaps we could break it down into these two “take-aways”:
“Bad Habits Create Bad Results”
“Good Habits Create Good Results”
Therefore, I have decided Einstein’s astute observation makes the perfect motivational quote for my refrigerator as I re-vamp my “2009 2010-New-Year-Resolutions-List”! It applies so well to just about everything:
1. 
Expect to lose some weight and become more physically fit by working out routinely? = genius!
2. Expect to gain a deeper relationship with God by setting aside daily devotional time? = genius!
3. Expect to have a closer relationship with my spouse by increasing the frequency of our “date night’s”? = genius!
4. Expect to have less financial stress by putting aside a little money into a savings account each pay day? = genius!
Now it’s your turn! Ready for a good ‘ole ”self-eval”? Are your actions taking you closer toward or father away from your goal? What reasonable adjustments could you make to create a positive change / improvement (i.e. this is something you can MAINTAIN doing over and over on a regular basis)?
Think of this as a chance to “custom design” your year. Ponder the things you do or don’t do over and over again, and fill in the blanks. Just remember, anything is possible, if you put your mind to it!
“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” – 2 Timothy 1:7
And, if all else fails, keep a good sense of humor!
Happy 2012! Today I sat down and dutifully started listing out all of my new year resolutions. First, I listed all the things I “should” do, which morphed into the things I “want” to do. Several on the two lists match up. In all honesty, it might be hard to stick to any resolution on the “should” list that isn’t on the “want” list. For example, I definitely “should” exercise every day. But, if I do not ”want” to commit to putting in the effort and persistence that it takes to plan and execute that goal, then will it actually happen? Continue reading 
