For the past many years, I have not made new year’s resolutions—at least, I didn’t call them resolutions, I would make a general statement of what I wanted to work on, things like “this year I am going to work at being more healthy”, “I am going to live more simply”, “I am going to practice peaceful living”.  These aren’t bad resolutions, but I didn’t create the end result other than, to be healthier, simpler or more peaceful.  I do believe that the times I have worked on those I have made progress.  This year, 2011, I decided to make New Year’s resolutions.  I have set some specific, measurable, attainable, reasonable and timely (SMART) goals.  (If you want to see what they are, you can check out my personal blog at www.bethkennett.blogspot.com .) Now the problem with specific and measurable goals, is that you know if you aren’t working on them….not really a problem, let’s call it a way to assess progress.  The reason I decided to set these goals, was because I have noticed how well I do if I know what I am working toward (like running a 5K).  I can be focused and know what direction to go.  

My reflection on these resolutions has caused me to think about my church and progress that we make as a congregation.  We do a wonderful job at working on a concept or idea, like “planning ahead”, “being more organized”, “healthier communication”; but, we have been reluctant to set specific and measurable goals.  If we set specific goals, we might not reach those goals.  I have come to the conclusion that if we set those specifics, that are measurable, if they are truly attainable, realistic and timely, they will be goals that we will be willing to work on and reach.  I will be working with my congregation to articulate some SMART goals and I expect when we have done that, we will not have a problem in reaching those goals.

Just in case you are wondering how I am doing on my 2011 resolutions….it is 3 weeks into the year, and because my resolutions are specific, I am able to measure where I am in my progress… I realize that I need to be a little more focused if I plan to achieve those goals.  Happy New Year!

Beth Kennett January,  2011