As I began reading the various formulas for developing the newly resolved you, the byline “From the Bishop” caught my attention. Is a bishop really into the pop psych business of New Year resolutions? Isn’t it more appropriate to reflect on the significance of January 1 being the Feast of the Holy Name? After all, it is into that Holy Name of Jesus that we all obtain our identity and the purpose of our resolved lives. We are followers of Jesus and are seeking to lose our lives to gain them as enriched, enhanced, and celebrated in Him. We believe that in that Name is our source of love, joy, and hope to which all our selves aspire.
We are also people who carry such a “treasure in an earthen vessel.” Muscles need exercising; love, joy, and hope are not solo efforts but communal; thoughts need the provocation and inspiration of listeners and storytellers alike. There’s always a personal readiness expected even as the Kingdom of God seeks to transform. It always helps to put ourselves in the way of potentially good becoming, and to acknowledge the freedom of moving away from what doesn’t help that same becoming.
And so I have overcome my uncertainty and am glad to offer the collective wisdom of the research of a New York Times writer, and invite you to consider how these seven principles may assist you as you grow more fully into the Name you have been given.
First, think big. What is the change you want to see by next New Year’s Eve and having picked the theme, find the satisfying ways that help you get there. Don’t pick the habit just because it’s meant to help, rather first pick the theme of change you desire. And in an atmosphere of trial and error discover what moves you closer to the chosen theme.
Second, be patient. Find the trigger and reward of the behavior you are trying to break, and seek to transform bad habits into better ones.
Third, break the new behavior down even to a two minute activity. Want to read more? Start with a page a day, and see where that can take you over a six month period. You’ll be surprised by the impact of “mastering the art of showing up.”
Fourth, embrace snappy rewards. These are not necessarily physical activities, but the way your new actions make you feel. “Choose the form of habit that brings you joy in the moment” (James Clear)—like volunteering in an environment you enjoy.
Fifth, prime your environment. This includes placing yourself in supportive places—like-minded groups, like a book club, or in a room with an unplugged tv, or in the presence of encouraging post-its. My best gardening season was when I chose to sit outside for morning coffee and devotions. I can spend days inside and then be amazed (and overwhelmed) at what happens to uncontrolled natural growth outside.
Sixth, plan to fail and have a recovery strategy on hand. Outsource your willpower by sharing your intentions with others who can hold your intention with you when you are hesitant or exhausted by your efforts.
Seventh, celebrate often. Take a selfie of the post-workout you. “Celebration is one of the emotions that propel persons forward....That gratitude, and authentic pride along with hope, social connection and compassion are the most effective emotions for promoting long-lasting behavior change. The least effective are shame, guilt and fear” (Kelly McGonigal).
It is obvious that much of the life of spiritual practice and attachment to a community of faith are already present in the seven elements. We just don’t always see our faith as a way of life. We separate our “personal” state from Church. And yet all we need is found together and it begins in the worshipping community of our local Episcopal congregation. Every week we come together to celebrate. We know how to outsource our willpower as a praying people. We promise that when we fail, we will turn again to the source of forgiveness and restoration. Failure is never the end of the road. And we will hold each other up.
We painstakingly work on creating an environment that reminds us of the beauty and fulfilment found in the presence of God and we probably could do more intentionally in this department. We are also learning how to create sacred space beyond Church buildings. It is a worthwhile exercise to take inventory on how our environments inspire aspiration and good resolve.
We are a “think big” people; and we have the tools if we would create the time and opportunity to break things down to their basics. This is a leadership challenge for the annual meeting and the vestry planning retreat. If you are a vestry of the whole, take a series of weekends early this year and ask where you want to be as a people of God by New Year’s Eve entering 2020; and set out the baby steps to move towards it. What would the two-minute challenges look like for you and yours? And don’t be afraid to extend creative rewards. Have fun with being Church, and let Church be fun. There was something God wanted to reflect when God placed a sense of humor and absurdity within us.
All of this is about growing in Christian mindfulness so that we may be the alert people God seeks to use each day to hallow the world. It is also about being available for “that day”—of the disaster, of the unforeseen consequence, of the time when those around you need your composure and faith; as a people prepared for any moment because we have learned to live in the moment which is what mindfulness, and our annual resolutions, seek to preserve.
A blessed New Year to you in the peace and love of Christ,
+Alan
The Rt. Rev. Alan Scarfe, Bishop of Iowa
Sources: Charles Duhigg, “The Power of the Habit”; Kelly McGonigal, “The Willpower instinct”; James Clear, “Atomic Habits”.
