Thanksgiving Day has passed, but the season of being thankful never ends! Thanksgiving means more than simply good food and good company. It also means we’re just a little over a month away from the end of the year.
No matter what holidays you celebrate, that means plenty more good times to be had before we ring in 2022. It also means it’s time to check in with your 2021 goals! From giving to volunteering to kicking a habit you hoped to leave behind, check out these tips to finish out 2021 strong!
Revisit Your Goals
If you put pen to paper with your goals early in the year, open up your notebook or find where you wrote down those goals. It’s time to check in on how you’re doing. Give yourself a grade based on the outcome. If you haven’t quite stuck to your goals, have no fear! There’s still plenty of time to achieve goals in 2021. Think about revising the goals you did write down so that you can set achievable goals throughout the end of the year! Remember that it’s never too late to get started.
Set Small Goals
Even if you haven’t met your goals for the year, there’s still time left! Start small and watch what you can achieve. Whether you decide to volunteer a few hours per week or set a giving goal each week through the end of the year, you’ll be surprised as those small goals add up to big achievements. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and your altruistic efforts certainly will take time to build. Find an accountability partner to ensure you both stick to it.
Host a Fa-La-La-La-Fundraiser!
It’s time to put the “fun” in fundraiser. The end of the year is full of gatherings and parties to celebrate the holidays and another year passing. Take an already merry gathering and add another element to spread holiday cheer—a fundraiser! This can be as simple as adding a good-will donation location at your party, or as elaborate as a contest where each participant pays to enter and the money is donated (think ugly sweaters or gingerbread houses!). The sky’s the limit, and remember to have fun!
Check in with Your Friends
Like most things in life, doing good in the world is more fun with friends. This season of giving is also a time to spend with the ones you love. Ask a friend or family member if they’ll commit to some good acts throughout the end of the year. You’ll find that it’s easier to complete when you’re also spending time with those that you love. Plus, you can then continue your quest to do good into the new year.
Trust God for the Results
Proverbs 16:9 says, "The mind of man plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps." When working toward goals, it can be tempting to put more pressure on yourself than you should. The Bible reminds us, while we are responsible for planning and setting worthy goals in life, God gives us the ability to achieve those goals. Trust Him for wisdom and He will show you the most effective and efficient use of your time and resources.
Although 2021 is coming to a close, there’s never a wrong time to check in on your goals or even to begin. Start small and set achievable steps to reach those goals. And remember, this is the season of giving and spending time with those that you love. Bring your family and friends along for the ride!
