Do not forget

During the oil crises and embargo in the 1970s, Dutch researchers began evaluating their country’s energy consumption. They discovered houses in one Amsterdam suburb used 30% less energy than the homes around it despite being the same size.

According to James Clear in his best-selling book, “Atomic Habits,” research revealed only one difference between the homes that used more electrical power and those that used less: the location of the electric meter. The homes with meters in the basement consistently used more power than those with meters in the main hallways. Homes with easily seen meters regularly had lower energy bills since homeowners were more conscious of the electricity they used.

Paying close attention makes a significant difference in almost every area of our lives. The National Institute of Health’s website reported that individuals who checked their weight daily “lost significantly more weight compared to those weighing less than daily…” This was true whether those trying to lose weight were on a diet, kept track of their caloric intake or monitored their exercise.

James Clear shared a humorous example which makes the same point. In the early 1990s the cleaning staff at Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam placed a small sticker that looked like a fly in each urinal. Men using the urinals aimed for what they thought was a bug. The guys paid more attention, thus less urine ended up on the floor and the annual cost of cleaning the bathrooms dropped 8%.

Monitoring our progress makes a surprising difference in achieving desired changes. Unfortunately, the reverse is also true, if we set goals but neither think about them nor evaluate our progress, it is unlikely long-term changes will take place.

The Bible encourages to not lose sight of our priorities when it says, “And don’t forget to do good and to share with those in need…” (Hebrews 13:16, NLT) When we “forget” what is important we rarely follow through on what matters. Each of us needs to focus on what we want to accomplish. Change only takes place when we remain focused on what we wish to improve.

What does God want you to prioritize currently? Is it being a more engaged spouse, parent, grandparent, or friend? Is it praying for someone going through a challenging situation, or sharing time with someone lonely? Is it connecting with God through prayer and living with an eternal perspective? I cannot tell you what to focus on, but I can confidently say unless you keep your goals at the forefront of your thoughts, you are not likely to achieve them.