You’ve heard it said, “Old habits die hard”…and while that’s true, it’s not always a bad thing. It means that habits have a lasting effect, both positive and negative ones. While this makes it difficult to break bad habits, it also tells us the importance of establishing healthy ones.
Creating Habits by Setting Goals
How do we establish daily habits that will set the tone for our future? First, we have to picture what we want our lives to look like down the road (it could be 5, 10, 20 years, etc.) Then, we have to realize, we can’t just sit back and watch things fall into place. While God is in ultimate control of our lives, and things can always turn out differently than we picture, He calls us to be active participants putting effort into our relationship with him, our health, our communities, our marriages, our families, etc.
So, take a moment to ask yourself these questions:
Where do you see yourself personally?
Do you want to be healthy, physically, mentally, and spiritually? Are you hoping to be someone who has realized what’s important in life and learned to let the little things go? Do you want rid yourself of the constant stress of life, slow down, and enjoy the beauty in the simple things?
Where do you see your family?
Do you want kids who value the importance of spending time in the Word and going to church regularly? Do you want your children to love coming home and spending time together?
Where do you see your marriage?
Do you want to be a couple who is more in love than ever, and see your spouse as your true best friend you just can’t get enough time with? Do you want a marriage that’s centered on Christ, and can withstand any attack from the devil?
Are these lofty goals? Perhaps! Are they guaranteed, even if you do everything “right”? No, they’re not… but, to give yourself the best chances of creating a healthy life, it starts with intentionality today.
Your goals will likely look different than mine, and I’d encourage you to write them down. Before you do though, pray about them! If I’m not careful, my goals can turn into a list society-oriented successes, instead of Scripture-based living. As Christians, we should turn to the Bible for direction in our lives.
Daily Habits
Here are some habits that we’ve established, or are working on establishing, in our home to shape the future for our family and the life God has called us to.
Personal Habits
- Spending time in Scripture first thing in the morning
- Drinking water throughout the day
- Exercising 5 days a week
- Writing 3x a week
- Not looking at my phone for an hour or two after waking up
- Waking up at a consistent time each morning
- Spending time outside every day
Family Habits
- Reading the Bible with the kids, discussing it and praying together
- Eating dinner together at the table every night
- Daily walks (sometimes replaced by bike rides or family yoga sessions)
- Praying with each of the kids at bedtime and teaching them to pray for others
- Prioritizing church on Sundays + weekly community group
- Regular game nights and movie nights
- Weekly dinners with extended family on both sides
Marriage Habits
- Going to bed at the same time as each other
- Connecting in the morning before the busyness of the day begins
- Reading the Bible together in the evening
- Monthly date nights
- Regular check-ins and affection throughout the day
- Praying together
- Open and vulnerable communication, even when it’s tough
Time and Priority Alignment
Maybe I’m writing this as much for me, as I am for you. It’s always a good reminder to see our priorities written out. These are not areas that I’m perfect at. Some are well-established and others are a work in progress.
Your habit list doesn’t need to look the same as mine, but it should match your future goals.
If there are things that you’re spending a significant amount of time doing during the day that don’t align with the life God’s called you to, than it might be worth re-evaluating and adjusting where you spend your time and effort.
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