Written by YAMC member Audrey Adams

As young adults, weenter into 2019 feeling hopeful. We throw confetti and shout “happy new year!”with detailed exercise and relationship goals circulating our minds. “This isthe year I finally reach my weight goal! I can feel it!” or “I am setting asidemore time for my friends and family this year!” we say to ourselves. Or, for mein particular, “I am going to NOT procrastinate, and I am going to study moreeffectively this semester!” These are good goals to have, don’t get me wrong.But, as despondent as it may sound, let’s be honest with each other, most ofthese New Year resolutions go unaccomplished. Actually, accordingto US News, 80% of resolutions fail by February. That’sa frighteningly large amount of failure, am I right?

Oftentimes, as humans, we stay so fixated on selfish, worldly intentions that we forget to focus on how to truly nourish and enrich our souls. I truly believe we begin each year with good hopes, with lifted spirits. However, when among such tedious routines, we become numb, we become bored, we become tired and frustrated with unmet expectations and results. Don’t worry, you’re not alone in this. Remember, roughly 80% of us are in the same boat. With these numbers, then, canwe ever truly better ourselves? Or, at least, how can we begin to find themotivation to better ourselves?

In John 18, Pilate asks Jesus if he is the king of the Jews. Jesus later replies saying “[his]kingdom is not of this world.” I truly believe the resolutions we make—losing weight, improving studying habits, strengthening relationships—are good. However, I find that though our goals are good, our intentions are not. This year, when making New Year’s resolutions, let us not focus on the ideas of losing weight, improving studying habits, and strengthening relationships alone, but rather let us focus on how doing such things will benefit the kingdom that is not of this world, things that will benefit the Kingdom of God. Maybe this year you are looking to exercise more. Instead of exercising to impress your coworkers, exercise more to become the happiest, healthiestversion of yourself so that you may be more eager and spread positivity. Maybe you are looking to study more strategically. This year, study to enrich your mind so that you may challenge thoughts and have the courage to stand up for your beliefs while openly sharing the love of God. Maybe this year you are wanting to maximize time with family and friends. Do this to reflect the love of Christ through your strong, healthy relationships. This year, whatever you do, do it with the intention of strengthening the kingdom of God and exerting love wherever you go.