Happy New Year "Adventures" In 2024 (Instead of Wasting Time on New Years Resolutions)

Let 2024 be the year of new adventures! Plan out new adventures instead of wasting time on New Year's Resolutions. Did you know that for 92% of people, New Year's resolutions fail? The result is often discouragement, and we end up feeling like "New year, same me." Try something different this year. Try planning New Year Adventures.

So, what are some New Year Adventures you can plan for 2024?

Plan Fun Adventures With True Friends

"Not all those who wander are lost." - J.R.R. Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring"

Plan some fun getaways with people you truly love to hang with. Be intentional. Take the initiative. Organize some adventures and invite others you love to join you. Plan to go somewhere that restores your soul and renews your spirit. I recommend a location in nature that allows the glory of God's creation to fill your cup such as the mountains, the beach, the woods or any place that reveals the majesty and mystery of the Lord's creative imagination to you.

These kind of adventures will serve several purposes. It will give you something to look forward to on the calendar. It will bless you with the wonder of being in God's bountiful presence in the midst of His creation. It can provide an opportunity for you to have some rest for your soul, mind and body. It can also offer you some exciting adventures as you explore a new area via hiking, boating, sightseeing etc...

Spend Time With People That Fill Your Tank

"Build strong connections with healthy people." - Henry Cloud

This one sounds so simple. But most people do not intentionally plan this out or see it as an adventure. But it can be. Most of us are surrounded by people that drain us. You may have great people that you work with hang with ... or you may not. But even really nice, good people can drain us. Not to mention the really difficult people or the narcissist in our lives who wear us down everyday.

We need to make time to spend time with those people who value us and believe in us. It is not selfish to want to be around people who love us and naturally fill our tank with kind and encouraging words. You do not ever have to have a choice when it comes to our own time. Do yourself a favor and plan some gatherings with people who love and appreciate you!

Stay Hungry For Growth

"Develop a passion for learning. If you do, you will never cease to grow."

- Anthony D'Angelo

Be content but never stop growing. Stay hungry for knowledge. Read books that challenge you and make you think, grow and improve. Listen to others who have expertise in different areas or subjects that interest you. Fortunately, there are countless books, blogs and podcasts on every subject imaginable. Pick some subjects that you are intrigued by and then read and listen to those with experience in those fields or endeavors. Always be looking to grow and expand your knowledge on various interesting subjects.

My suggestion is to pick several subjects that really fascinate you and then pick the 5 best books available on those topics. And then read them. Study them. See how you can apply the information you gather. Also, select 2 or 3 people who are very experienced in the fields of study who want to focus on. Then listen to their teachings or podcasts online. Perhaps, you can choose a Master Class type course.

It might be a particular skill you are wanting to learn such as sailing, golfing, hunting, working out, fishing, cooking, sewing or whatever. You might want to take a course. Get some life coaching. Enjoy some lessons. Get a personal trainer. But always stay hungry to grow. Plan an adventure of growth for 2024!

Strengthen Your Relationship With God

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength."

-Jesus, The Greatest Commandment, Luke 10:27.

Make God your first priority so that you are not trying to get God-needs met by a person. No human being can meet all of your needs. Since we are made in the image of God, there are certain needs that we have that can only be met by God. Many people spend their lives trying to get their God-needs met by other human beings. They become very disappointed and disillusioned, because they set themselves up for failure.

There are certain needs that your spouse or good friends can meet for sure. But when it comes to the God-need areas of our lives such as spiritual fulfillment or self worth or forgiveness or the experience of grace... only God can meet these needs and offer what you must have to feel completed and whole.

As Pascal put it: "There is a God-shaped vacuum in the heart of each person which cannot be satisfied by any created thing but only by God the Creator, made known through Jesus Christ."

How might you strengthen your relationship with God in 2024?

• Invite Jesus Christ to be your Lord and Savior.

• Spend time alone with God in prayer and meditation.

• Read the Bible with the understanding that it is a love letter to you from God.

Attend worship at a church that believes and teaches the Bible and has a traditional, orthodox view and understanding of the scriptures and Christian teachings.Connect to a small group of dedicated Jesus followers on a regular basis.Find a place to serve those in need as you share the love of God with others.

Happy New Year Adventures in 2024!