Real change begins with identity. I can’t even begin to identify how many times I’ve heard or read that. As a Jesus follower, it’s important to distinguish between a catchy phrase and a biblical principle. In Matthew 12:33 Jesus uses the analogy that the type of tree determines its fruit. Identity first. Who we are determines what we do.

Also impossible to identify is the number of to-do lists and resolutions I have made in the past that failed. That’s kind of like trying to keep the rules to be righteous. It just doesn’t work without faith. How can a person see real change? I want to be better.

Craig Groeschel, the founder of Life.Church, has been an important virtual mentor. Over the past few years, I’ve listened to his leadership podcasts over and over. They are like twenty minutes of leadership principle rocket fuel. Last year I listened to his two-part series, “Six Steps to Your Best Year of Leadership.” Twice (at 1.5 speed). Six didn’t seem enough, so I made my typical impossible, unquantifiable, “let’s try to fix everything at once” list.

I did start prayer journalling. That’s been transformational. Hit and miss on most of the others. One list item took me 9 months to instigate – a coaching, mentor-type relationship. I finally got out of my comfort zone and starting reaching outside of my box. The results have been amazing. I’ve seen things in a new, practical light.

This challenge came from that new relationship. What is your personal vision or goals for 2020? Knowing that the list would be shared and thus, accountable, really put a different perspective on things. I listened to the previously mentioned podcasts, again. This time, I determined not to make a list of “what,” but rather “who.” Using those six steps as a guide, my 2020 personal vision contains these identity statements.

Change is about identity. In Christ, I am the type of person who:

• Is Disciplined
• Delegates Effectively
• Is Focused
• Seeks Counsel
• Builds Leaders

With one small, accountable new task in each of those areas, and a scripture to reinforce each, I now have a practical and achievable personal vision course for next year. What is your vision for next year? Are you beginning with identity? The first episode of the podcast is linked below. Also included is a pdf of my vision statements. It’s kind of embarrassing that I’m 53 and have never really had the discipline of making my bed first thing in the morning. But hey, what better way to really be accountable than to just go public!

Also, one thing on the list is to start blogging again. Check! That’s just kind of who I am. This identity stuff rules!

2 Corinthians 5:17 (NLT) This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!

Six Steps to Your Best Year of Leadership

Aubrey Robertson – 2020 Vision PDF