{"id":1607,"date":"2017-12-29T03:00:17","date_gmt":"2017-12-29T09:00:17","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/kerryaclark.com\/?p=1607"},"modified":"2017-12-28T16:01:54","modified_gmt":"2017-12-28T22:01:54","slug":"preparing-for-the-new-year","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.kerryaclark.com\/blog\/preparing-for-the-new-year\/","title":{"rendered":"Preparing for the New Year"},"content":{"rendered":"

I\u2019d like to take a moment to go back to the beginning of why we [Pamela and I]<\/a> use a family plan<\/a>. \u00a0In answering this question, \u201chow do we prepare for the new year?\u201d, is the \u201cwhy\u201d behind our family plan<\/a>.<\/p>\n

If you want to be like everyone else, don\u2019t plan. \u00a0Don\u2019t make plans of any kind.
\nIf you want to be like everyone else, set the same old New Year\u2019s resolutions.
\nWe choose to be different, live different and have what others don\u2019t. \u00a0All of this requires what others don\u2019t do, plan.<\/p>\n

Our family plan<\/a> begins with the new year in mind. \u00a0We\u2019re thinking, what\u2019s the plan for the family in this new year? \u00a0What will we do, have and achieve?<\/p>\n

What does that look like?<\/strong>
\nThe family plan started for us almost a decade ago and I wish we had the time to take a walk down memory lane, but we\u2019ll have to save that for another day. \u00a0Instead of talking about the past, we will discuss the present. \u00a0What are we doing now?<\/p>\n

We use our family plan as a working document. \u00a0We are constantly reviewing it, writing in it, updating it and praying over it. \u00a0This year we\u2019ve set goals around each of the 8 departments<\/a>\u00a0we have listed. \u00a0This plan helps us outline our life [our family] which is our business hence the departments<\/a>. \u00a0Don\u2019t forget \u201cyour life is your business.\u201d \u00a0In this working document [binder<\/a>], we make certain we discuss some change, improvement or addition that needs to be made in each respective area.<\/p>\n

Setting a goal for each area will give us a minimum of 8 goals for the year. \u00a0However, keep in mind that goals are useless without a process or system that ensures daily execution. \u00a0Here\u2019s an example: \u00a0after this Christmas<\/a>, we decided to increase our generosity next year to those we have on our \u201chave to\u201d list for Christmas. \u00a0We\u2019ve decided to budget a minimum [up to a certain] amount for each person on the \u201chave to\u201d list for Christmas. \u00a0That means next Christmas, we can step up our generosity to those who are most important. \u00a0After all, if we\u2019re going to be good to someone, shouldn\u2019t we be good to those who are closest to us?<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s the point and even a key. Having such a goal, means we need to put a process or system<\/a> in place. \u00a0The goal<\/a>\u00a0is to have a certain amount of money for Christmas gifts by November. \u00a0The system [or process]<\/a> is to set an amount aside regularly with each pay period<\/a>\u00a0to accomplish this goal<\/a>. \u00a0Start planning<\/a> now so that you have a year to execute the plan that meets your goal.<\/p>\n

\u201cA goal is nothing more than applying \u201cfaith\u201d in a practical way.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

One of the best ways to practice and demonstrate your faith is in making goals<\/a>. \u00a0You set a goal<\/a> for something that you can\u2019t see and you work towards accomplishing that goal. \u00a0Now that\u2019s the definition of faith. \u00a0Are you using yours?<\/p>\n

By the end of December, Pamela and I have a detailed plan of what we intend to accomplish. \u00a0We list all the things that we hope for so that throughout the year they become seen.<\/p>\n

Today is Friday!
\nIf you thought that making this year your best year ever was complicated and difficult, think again. \u00a0It\u2019s as simple as making and working the plan all year long. Working the plan means that you set a goal and create a process<\/a> that you can execute regularly to achieve the goal.<\/p>\n

Question:<\/strong> What will your year look like? \u00a0Have you given it any thought? \u00a0Leave us a comment below.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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More on this topic:<\/h2>\n