NBC’s 2007 television show Journeyman was about a San Francisco newspaper reporter and family man who traveled through time and changed people’s lives. A change in the past forever affected the present or what happened in the future. 

In reality, of course, we can’t go back and right the wrongs of life that have altered the present—if only we could. We can, however, influence the future by the choices we make now. A new year of potentially fresh beginnings lies before us, so what better time than the present to choose options that will positively shape the future? 

January brings with it a plethora of New Year’s resolution options. Year after year, though, many aren’t kept. Anyone who’s had a gym membership for several years has seen the tide of others’ fitness resolutions rise and fall as the year progresses. The gym is packed to capacity immediately after New Year’s Day, but significantly thins out and returns to “normal” within several months. Making resolutions is the easy part; it’s the follow-through that’s difficult. 

Research shows some of the most popular resolutions are to lose weight, get fit, eat healthier, manage finances better and reduce stress. Those are life-enriching goals, but they’re too broad and focus-limiting. They’re the structures of a basic healthy life outline, but without the details. Daily life needs how-to details in order to achieve long term goals. Every choice, regardless of how seemingly insignificant, determines whether or not next January 1^st will have an accomplished resolution scratched off its previous list.

Some basic suggestions for achieving resolutions are:

1. Plan—Make a realistic plan for one or more goals to be accomplished. Write them down. Be specific and realistic. 
2. Work the plan—Don’t become obsessed, but remain mindful that every choice has a consequence. Stay focused on the goal. 
3. Don’t give up—Keep in mind that there will be good and bad days—2 steps forward and 3 steps back—but other days will be vice versa. Stay the course.
4. Focus on a sense of accomplishment—Remember that positive thinking breeds positive actions, leading to positive results. Envision yourself next January 1^st scratching the desired goal from last year’s resolution list.
5. Realize contentment—Embrace satisfaction if a high percentage of a goal is reached—it’s a major step in the right direction. For example, if 20 lbs. are lost instead of the targeted 25, rejoice in the significant accomplishment!

While striving to improve some facet of the future, remember that every day is a gift from God. Destinations may be goals, but let’s not forget to enjoy the journey through life.

Altered states are objectives, but really, there’s no time like the present.