Let’s begin with a quick review of what we’ve covered so far about making and keeping New Year’s Resolutions.

We wait and watch for a vision or revelations from the Lord.

• We write it (them) down.
• We formulate resolutions based on the revelations.
• We keep them in front of us all the time and do not lose sight of them.
• We watch our words so we do not sabotage the progress we make.

The final revelation in this series comes to us from Proverbs 4:25 & 27:

Keep your eyes straight ahead; ignore all sideshow distractions…Look neither right nor left; leave evil in the dust. (The Message)

In other words, Solomon tells us to go FORWARD with FOCUS.

Experience tells us that this is easier said than done.

As much as we’d like to make forward progress, we could very easily end up moonwalking our way to mediocrity, if we get stuck on the past.

An occasional glance in the rear-view mirror can be beneficial in reminding us where we came from. But driving with our eyes fixed on what lies behind us will not take us where we need to go, amen?

Jesus points out the seriousness of this tendency when he says: “Anyone who puts a hand to the plow and then looks back is not fit for the Kingdom of God.” (Luke 9:62)

So, friends, the first thing we need to do is to deal with whatever will keep us looking backward.

• Do you need to forgive someone who hurt you?
• Do you need to bring closure to an open emotional wound?
• Do you need to celebrate the goals you met and set more challenging goals to keep moving on?
• Do you need to detach yourself from a person or pursuit that is not positive or productive?

Would you ask the Holy Spirit to show you what it is you need to leave behind so you can move forward?

Secondly, we need to develop a sharp, laser-like FOCUS.

The apostle Paul puts it this way:

I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. (Philippians 3:13-14)

What do we focus on? The Prize, of course! The Prize which is so desirable that we are willing to pay the Price to get it!

What is the NUMBER ONE PRIZE that you absolutely need to attain in 2013?

Once you’ve identified it, here are some helpful hints that will help you develop and maintain your FOCUS all year.

1. Find someone who will keep you ACCOUNTABLE, preferably on a daily basis.

2.  Review your Resolution at the BEGINNING of the Day. Do what you need to do to attain the prize before you start doing anything else.

3.  CUT OUT all “sideshow distractions” that will take your focus away. This does not have to be a permanent elimination. It could be simply a temporary sacrifice until your resolution becomes reality.

Now you can MOVE FORWARD WITH FOCUS.

So, there you have it. Would you please take a moment to let us know how these five revelations have helped you in making and keeping your New Year’s Resolutions? We would really appreciate hearing from you. Just click HERE.