Make it a great year!

"How long will you wait before you begin to take possession of the land that the LORD, the God of your fathers, has given you? Josh 18:3-4

We can say Happy New Year many different ways. Here is just a sampling of some of the language groups in our region:

Spanish………….Feliz Ano Nuevo
Russian………………….S Novim Godom
German………….Prosit Neujahr
Indonesian………………Selamat Tahun Baru
Hungarian……….Boldog Ooy Ayvet
Norwegian………………Godit Nyttar
French.………….Bonne Annee
Swahili………………….Heri Za Mwaka Mpya

The sentiment is pretty much the same no matter the language spoken; we hope that 2010 will be a good year. At times we say: “I hope 2010 is good to you/me/us!” with the same ease with which we say, “Hope you have a nice day!” It’s a cordial wish, even a blessing that we offer to each other.

Wishing and hoping are wonderful experiences, but they are not a plan of action! How often have you found yourself wishing for something different, better, safer, more stable, happier, newer, smaller,…well you get the idea. Wishing is not a strategic plan, it’s only the beginning step on your journey to "Make" it a good year, a nice day, a happier family, a more productive practice, a healthier you.

The text speaks clearly to the dilemma many of us face, placing our future, our “success” in the hands of fate, chance, even circumstance, when God simply asks us to claim what already has been given.

To go beyond wishing and take the steps necessary to help the dream become true requires that you be an on purpose person, intentional about what you do.

Here are some very practical steps towards “Making” it a great year:
1. WRITE down your goals/resolutions
2. Success requires CONQUERING procrastination
3. SUPPORT is essential to achieving your goals/resolutions
4. You NEED a detailed PLAN for achieving your goals/resolutions
5. Your goals/resolutions must be SPECIFIC and MEASURABLE
6. Make your goals/resolutions PERSONAL and MEANINGFUL
7. REFUSE to let obstacles slow you down
8. Use POSITIVE REINFORCEMENTS to stay on track
9. Goals/resolutions need regular CHECKUPS
10. Become a person of ACTION!

For more info see: http://www.scribd.com/doc/24721958/New-Years-Resolutions-2010-How-to-Make-Them-Happen

Throughout this coming year you will be caring for patients and families. You will be working with associates and physicians; each of whom you wish a good year/good day. Make it a great year for each of them by making it a great year for yourself.

Much more than medicine indeed!

Peter

Peter Bath, D.Min.
V.P. Spiritual Wellness & Human Development
Shawnee Mission Medical Center