As we begin a new year, many are setting new year resolutions and goals for 2017. I think it’s great for people to set goals and it’s even better when one reaches or surpassing a goal.

The journey of achieving a new goal can be rough and for that reason, many procrastinate or give up. However, I have found that sometimes these journeys are difficult and sometimes unattainable, simply because we are out of order.

I have learned that order is a basic yet vital principle. If any of you have watched best man holiday, Taye Diggs character, Harper asks the group what three words they would choose to define the values that shape them? Once you prioritize these words, you’ll have your order. What we do in life should align with the answer to this question.

A good exercise to bring this all together would be to develop a personal mission statement. This statement is for you and explains what you are all about and your purpose in life. There is no right or wrong answer, there is only your answer. Ask yourself the following questions. What words describe your existence? What were you created to do? Also, consider your values and what is important to you, this will help you define your order. They all link up together. I would recommend keeping it brief and simple.

Your mission is your reason for being but your values determine your guiding principles. Whenever, I get frustrated or things seem chaotic, I ask myself, how does this fit into my order. God, Family/Friends, Exhortation, and all that other stuff!

The most important lesson I have learned through life experiences is that anytime I was out of order, it brought confusion. Anytime I’ve functioned out of my order, I added extra stress to my life.

Remaining in order does not mean everything will be easy but it will be orderly, less chaotic and bring peace in the midst of life’s storms. Determine your order, stay the course.