It’s that time of year again: New Year’s Resolutions. 

Have you made a New Year’s resolution? In America, most of us have.  But, to be honest, most of us start out the year resolutely, but in a short time, we fall back to our old, same behaviors.  Realizing lasting change is difficult.

How can we find lasting change?  Unfortunately, there is no “one program fits all” process for change. But, over the years, I have seen personal change and observed personal change in others when at least one or more of these ingredients existed:

1. Desire for Change.  You might even call it an obsession. We are absolutely fed up with “life as it is.”  We are desperate and committed to change at whatever cost to us, personally.  Where we long for change to this degree, change often occurs.
2. Community.  People are more likely to achieve wanted change when they attempt that change along with others.  Weight loss, cessation of smoking and drinking etc., are best achieved when we find others who share our desire to stop and join us in the pursuit.  We draw strength from numbers.
3. Accountability.  Closely tied to community, we are more likely to see change if we ask others to keep us accountable to change.  Setting long term goals and measuring small steps on the way to those goals is a way to chart progress while also bringing someone else into your growth process.  Scientists have long observed that “behavior that is observed changes.”   One of my favorite fitness and weight loss tools (www.myfitnesspal.com) uses both community and accountability to encourage growth in personal wellness.
4. Mentors.  Sometimes, we simply don’t know how to change.  Finding a mentor who has lived life a little longer or experienced change can help guide us in our own change.  A mentor can also provide community and accountability at the same time.  If you are a Chinese student or young professional, Ascend International’s Plus1 Program, may be a place to consider finding your own mentor (www.ascend-international.com/programs/friends-and-mentors/).
5. A “Higher Power.”  I, personally, believe in a God who wants and empowers us in change that is for our own good.  In my life I have seen God change me and change others.  I find great help to change in my own life through the Bible and people  like Paul Tripp, who write about God and humanity: http://www.paultripp.com/wednesdays-word

If you REALLY want to find change in 2014, add one or more of these ingredients and see if, finally, you can meet one of your New Year’s Resolutions.  Good luck and have a Happy New Year!