Why Wait?

A less pressured way to start new habits.

Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash

“Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.” Proverbs 16:3

---

We are a month away from a new year, and for many, it’s another attempt to start good habits.

But why wait?

What if we could have a test run with those new habits?

There’s a lot of pressure once the new year comes, but guess what–no one is expecting much from you on December 1st—not even your inner critic.

So you can try out those new goals without any pressure.

I started a new Bible reading plan last week.

Everything in my mind screamed at me for betraying my history of starting new things in the new year, but I decided I wanted less internal pressure. I wanted less psychological pressure on myself, so I started reading this new plan in NOVEMBER! Maybe I’m just crazy, but I feel less pressured now when I read.

I’m not an expert yet, but I’m exploring this idea. I wonder if the internal critic in us feels the pressure to read every day when we start on January 1st so we “don’t get behind,” but starting in November, every day feels like we’re ahead.

Now, we can relax and put the devotion back into our devotions.

I’ve started in more areas than reading my Bible.

I’ve journaled 13 straight days as I prepare to journal and write more in 2025.

I’ve also started writing some devotionals for the 2025 church bulletin already.

Now, I would like to ask you.

What goals or habits do you want to start or start back in 2025?

Could you start them now?

Consider it practice.

December is pressure-free when it comes to goals, so try it out.

I heard this idea on John Acuff’s podcast last year and didn’t act on it, but one year later, it was still rolling around in my head.

John writes and speaks to a broader audience, but he shares three benefits of practicing your goals before the new year.

1. You weed out fake goals. Goals that you don’t really care about.

2. You get into rhythm with your new goals. What time of the day works best, for example.

3. You feel less pressure. (I already discussed this one)

December is my new January 1st, and it’s working for me.

What goals could you start now?

Whether you choose to start in December or January or are an anti-goal guy, I hope you will challenge yourself to step outside your comfort zone and make an intentional effort to grow spiritually.

In the comments, I’d love to hear what you want to work on in 2025.