It always feels odd, each January 1^st, to be “in” the next year. If we could reverse time to January 1^st, 2011, knowing all that actually happened during the past year, would that cause us to make different decisions on the “replay?” To this point, that's not possible. However, the next best thing might be to look forward into the possibilities for 2012 and make some decisions now that will affect how things turn out, both for the rest of the year-- and beyond.

The Bible challenges us to “examine ourselves.” We have no control over most things in this life. Our own choices are an exception to that. So, considering our strengths and weaknesses, in the various areas of our lives, and making “course corrections,” is the best we can do to shape outcomes that often define the year, at it's end.

But what “shape” are we looking for? I'd like to propose four “shapes” that are worth pursuing:

1.) The Shape of HEALTH

2.) The Shape of CONSCIENCE

3.) The Shape of JOY

4.) The Shape of GOD'S GLORY

As you examine the various areas of your life: Physical, Mental, Spiritual, Relational, Emotional, Vocational, Financial, etc, ask yourself:

• Am I healthy in this area?

• Is my conscience clear in this area?

• Am I finding Joy in this area?

• Am I glorifying God in this area?

Investigations into these questions will provide the raw material for your 2012 “course corrections.” As you seek to define these, let me make some suggestions that will take them from merely good ideas to life changing realities.

1. Write GOALS: Don't come up with too many goals- you'll get overwhelmed and won't accomplish any of them well. Make sure the goals are both specific and measurable, so that you know when you are moving toward them and when you are there.

2. Make PLANS for reaching the goals: A destination without a path is just wishful thinking and a set up for frustration. You need to come up with a plan, with reasonable strategies, that you believe in. Within the plan you need both accountability (just the right amount of pressure) as well as encouragement (a good dose of support).

3. Consistently EVALUATE and ADJUST: You'll need regular “stops and look backs” to see if you're still headed in the direction of the goal. (Caution: self-evaluation is critical, but so is the evaluation of others.) As you do this, you'll need to have the flexibility either to adjust your course or adjust your goal, due to the new insights.

4. Work on developing HABITS: It's really the little things, done consistently, that add up to the big things. An odd statement that has helped me immensely over the years is, “If it's worth doing, it's worth doing poorly.” Sometimes change starts with having bad, good habits. For example, if your plan for change requires consistent Bible reading, then make sure you do it every day, even if you do a bad job of it. Improving a habit is much less difficult than creating one.

I encourage you all to not simply read this article and then set it aside. Rather, put these principles into practice. Sit down and begin thinking/praying/conversing about the course corrections God would have you make this year. Refine the thoughts and put them to paper. Begin walking in the direction of purpose, health and joy. Live 2012, so that on January 1^st 2013, when you look back, you have no regrets.