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Many people approach the year’s end with an examination of their overall happiness. Things that are seen as an impediment to that happiness then end up on an “I must change this” list for the New Year. The most common resolutions are to “lose weight, manage debt, save money, get better jobs, and get fit” ( ). Goals linked to having a stronger and healthier body and bank account are good, however, even good goals that focus of “self” can add more happiness-zapping stress. The additional stress may very well be why 80% of people who start the year with a resolution to change something specific in their life abandon that resolution by February 14 (Herald Tribune, 2008). What would happen if our goals for change were based on a focus of others in lieu of self? If it is our desires that entice us, what if our desires are transformed from self seeking pleasures to a desire to fulfill the biblical commandment to love one another? If our time is structured to include opportunities to serve others in lieu of looking for our own entertainment, well wishes for someone recovering from surgery could be transformed beyond a passing thought and translate into the mowing of their grass. Simple things like taking the children of a neighbor to a park to give the parent(s) a night out, or taking a walk with a lonely coworker, could increase activity level and help achieve a weight loss goal. What if the purpose for wanting a stronger financial position included plans to assist others and instead of the accumulation of more things to dust in our homes? Things like providing a tutor for a niece or nephew that is struggling in school, helping a cousin fund a mission trip, contributing to the purchase of new dentures for a relative are all additional motivation to keeping the resolve for financial change. There is an exciting, joyful, transformation that takes place in a heart that has purposed to touch the lives of others. While happiness is determined by things happening around us, joy is determined by what is happening within us. Fulfilling the commandment of Jesus to “love one another” can produce joy in our lives. That same joy can be a source of that allows us to manage the unhappy circumstances of life. Our happiness is linked to our joy. So, if you are among those that have resolved to make changes in 2009, why not consider making a real change for yourself by making changes for others? Do not start this year focusing on your desires, but focus on the simple, obvious, needs of those that come into your path each day. Whether it is the lending of a helping hand to perform a small task, speaking an encouraging word, or giving even a small amount toward someone else’s financial needs, the return on your investment in someone else’s happiness in life will bring joy to yours.
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