As we welcome 2017 it is common to set New Year’s Resolutions. However, the problem with our resolutions is that we tend to focus on changing our behaviors, which are only symptoms of the problem.

What’s the problem?  Think about it this way; what’s the common denominator in all your relationships?  Whether your relationship with other people, food, your body, money and even with God, the common denominator is YOU!  If you try to change anything without first dealing with your relationship with yourself, you’re likely to fail.

It’s like a pizza; if the crust is soggy it doesn’t matter what you put on top of it – it’s not going to be a great pizza.  In the same way, your relationship with yourself is the crust, or the foundation upon which everything else is built.

So this year, rather than thinking of mountain-sized resolutions, consider focusing on just one – your relationship with yourself.  Start with some simple steps to strengthen and develop that foundational relationship.  That might involve speaking up with your honest opinions or asking for what you want or need.  Or, maybe extending understanding and compassion for the mistakes you’ve made, or, demanding less than perfection from yourself.

However you get started, as you take good care of your relationship with yourself you’ll discover newfound motivation for taking better care of your health, your finances and your other relationships.

“Above all else, guard your heart for it is the wellspring of life.” (Proverbs 4:23)