how to keep going.

I’ve been thinking a lot about goal setting – and keeping – recently. It’s a new year, I know, but I actually don’t typically deep dive into it as much as I am this year. But last week, one of my coworkers hosted a “lunch and learn” about how to not fail at your goals in 2023, so here we are.

Basically, he talked a lot about how to create structure and implement habits that support our progress – to help keep us going.

So I’ve been thinking about it. What are my goals? How do I not fail at them? What is it that will help keep me going?

My coworker shared about his goal to run a certain number of miles every week and the routine he has set up to help himself follow through with it. He sets his running clothes and water bottle out the night before, and he has three alarms set to make sure he gets up at 4:30am to go run.

Honestly, I love a good system and figuring out what helps you do what you’re trying to do. But what I want to know is, when his alarms go off, what makes him actually get out of bed and go running and instead of turning his alarm off?

A few years ago, someone asked me what literally gets me out of bed every day, and I think about question that almost every day. What is it that makes me get up when my alarm goes off? Because at some point, it doesn’t matter what it is, you have to just decide to do it. Sometimes having three strategically set alarms just isn’t enough.

You know what is enough? Jesus.

Not just for getting out of bed, but for everything we do. Because He has everything we need. Rest, energy, new ideas, patience, joy.

Whenever I feel like I don’t have what it takes, I remember that I actually do. Not because I have a great structure or three alarms keeping me in check – but because I have the literal power of God in me.

If that power can raise Jesus from the dead, it can also help me get out of bed in the morning. Or make better choices. Or exhibit more patience. Or whatever it is. He has what I need to keep going.

Also? For the days when I don’t get out of bed when my alarm goes off, or when I didn’t send the Thursday email on a Thursday – there is grace for that. An endless amount. It doesn’t mean I’ve failed, it means I’m learning – and I can keep going.

The same is true for you. Keep going. Whether you feel great about the new year so far or you feel like you’ve already veered off track. Today is a new day, and His mercies are new every morning.

The power of God is in you, even on a Thursday.