We are in a busy season of the year, and 2020 has been anything but predictable. Unexpected events have led to a great deal of uncertainty and anxiety, and many of our plans have been severely disrupted and displaced.

But 2021 is right around the corner. So, what can we do in this busy season to have a productive new year beginning Jan. 1? While there are still plenty of unknowns and uncertainties, we can prepare now to make the new year fruitful.

Resolutions are common at the start of a new year, but there are other practices that can produce transformational results. In fact, these practices can foster a greater sense of health, a sharper sense of focus, and a sustainable rhythm for the entire year.

This edition of Make It Count looks at eight practices for starting — and finishing — the new year well. With the way 2020 has shaped up, these eight practices could be crucial in 2021:

1.    Rest Regularly

2.    Recharge Relationally

3.    Rejoice Daily

4.    Renew Spiritually

5.    Reflect Carefully

6.    Refocus Purposefully

7.    Remove Deliberately

8.    Reprioritize Strategically

This eight-week study, which appears in the November/December 2020 issue of Influence magazine, is now available online as a free download. (Get the Spanish version here.) Church leaders can print multiple complimentary copies of this resource and use it to promote development, spark discussion and inspire vision among team members.

The online resource also includes a fill-in-the-blank guide for team members to use as they follow along with the studies.

Adapted from the November/December 2020 edition of Influence magazine.