Everyone has some new things they want to do in the New Year. Even if you don’t like “resolutions” this time of the year naturally causes you to stop and think. What did you accomplish in the last 365 days? What do you want to accomplish in the next 365 days?

Goals are important. Set goals so you know whether you’re making progress. Aim at nothing and you will hit it every time. It’s important to plan and to think about the future.

But today, to put a small twist on the New Year resolution theme, let’s talk about three things you should stop doing. What are some things that you do now that you shouldn’t do this year? Ever thought about that?

1. Don’t shift blame, take responsibility. Leaders take ownership. It’s that simple. Leaders don’t pass the buck or shift the blame. You want to be a real leader? Real leaders deflect praise and accept blame. Sounds fun doesn’t it? Our natural tendency is to find something or something else to blame when things don’t go like they should. Why don’t you make a commitment this year to stop shifting blame. Take responsibility for what God has called you to do. Do all you can. Leave the results to Him.

2. Don’t say you’re too busy, make the most of every opportunity. It seems the busyness is a virtue to some. Or at least they act like it is. Have you ever known someone that was so busy that they never had time for anything else – but when you looked around you never saw anything they ever accomplished? You know that person. You’ve been that person. So have I. Let’s make a commitment this year together. No more saying, “I’m so busy.” No more excuses. Redeem the time. Make the most of every opportunity. Schedule your priorities and make it happen.

3. Don’t think small, live with intensity. I have a tendency to play it safe. Maybe you do to. I want to know all the turns before I step out in faith. One big problem – God doesn’t work that way. Faith requires risk. There’s no way around it. I don’t want to dream small dreams. I don’t want to have small faith. I want to live with intensity. I want big faith. I want dreams so big they scare me to death – things that are impossible without God showing up. What would it be like if we stopped playing it safe? What if 2013 was a year of big faith for you and for me? I wonder what God could do through people who weren’t afraid to fail and didn’t care if they looked foolish.

Maybe, like me, there are some things you need to put on your list of resolutions. And maybe there are some things you need to cross off your list as well. No more shifting blame, no more being too busy, no more small thinking. Our task is too great, the time is too short, and God is too good for these excuses. Let’s make 2013 the best year we’ve ever seen!