I’m quitting
While paying for my groceries at Costco, the cashier asked if I was ready for the new year. I smiled and replied that I was, as I’m always excited for the opportunity a fresh start brings. I then asked if she was looking forward to it, and with enthusiasm, she said she loved the New Year and couldn’t wait to set her goals. But then she added, “Even though I never reach the goals I set.”
I left feeling a burden for this young woman. Many of us can relate to the excitement setting new goals can bring, but how do we feel when we fall short?
Over the years, I’ve tried countless versions of New Year’s resolutions - whether choosing a word of the year or setting health-driven intentions. Too often, my goals end up feeling like burdens, and when I fail to meet them, shame creeps in.
Don’t get me wrong, I believe in striving for growth and cultivating discipline in the areas of life God wants to refine. But this year, I’m taking a different approach. Instead of adding more “to-dos” to my list, I plan to let go of a few things that hold me back. I want to focus on moving forward with the gifts, dreams, and plans that God has uniquely designed for me.
So, here they are, the two things I’m quitting this year:
ANTS — This is an acronym my dad used to say often, meaning Automatic Negative Thoughts. Especially when it comes to myself, my first instinct is often to think negatively. Our thoughts are incredibly powerful, and they shape our actions. When we dwell on negative thoughts, they hold us back from stepping into the actions God has for us. This year, my prayer is that instead of allowing my mind to spiral into negativity, I will focus on God’s truth first and foremost.
Replacing Expectations on God with Expectancy. You may be wondering what is the difference. Expectations are what we impose on others. Whereas Expectancy is filled with hope. It’s approaching God with open hands, eager to see what HE wants to do in me. When I think about the difference between these two words I realize that Expecting things from God is more limiting. However, approaching him with Expectancy opens the box wide and I can see a glimpse of what it means that God has more for me than I can think or imagine!
“Never doubt God’s mighty power to work in you and accomplish all this. He will achieve infinitely more than your greatest request, your most unbelievable dream, and exceed your wildest imagination! He will outdo them all, for his miraculous power constantly energizes you.” Ephesians 3:20-21 TPT
Is there something you may need to quit to move forward in your unique gifts?
