Create Your NEW Normal

It's been months since the initial COVID-19 shutdown, and there's a phrase that keeps being thrown around: our "new normal". As much as I hate the idea that masks, social distancing, and fear of sickness are all part of our society, the phrase new normal has got me thinking. So much of what is happening is beyond our control. We don't get to change a lot of what's going on around us, but in the midst of this giant disruption, we have a unique opportunity to establish a new normal. 

Many of our routines have been shot. Life has changed. Things we used to spend our time doing, such as shopping, going out, travel, etc. have all changed. This unique season is giving us the opportunity to reset our lives and re-establish our priorities. 

Below are four areas in our lives that we should all look at, evaluate, and adjust to create our own new normal.

Your Health

What if you took this opportunity to lose the weight you keep saying you want to lose? What if you got back in the gym, started running, and stopped binge-eating Doritos? There's a lot I could say about this, but it really boils down to you. You're one good decision away from a better feeling, more healthy you. So what's standing in your way? 

Here's my one tip to get healthier: get help.

At the beginning of the year, I decided to lose weight and get in better shape, so I got some help to do it. I hired a nutrition and workout coach (Thanks, Adam!). It may have cost more than I wanted to spend, but there's little worth more than a longer, healthier life. Get the help you need, spend what you can, and make getting healthy a part of your new normal!

Your Personal Growth

If you're not growing and getting better, there's no one to blame but yourself. I know, I know...that's blunt…but you and I can make excuses or we can get better, but we can't do both. 

We live in a day and age where we have access to endless information and helpful tools. You can literally watch a video, take a course, or read a book about anything, all at your fingertips instantly. Do you want to be a better leader? There are books and podcasts for that. Do you want to learn a new skill? Yep, there's a video about that as well. Whatever you're looking to learn, you and I have access to it! 

Here's my one tip to help your personal growth: add it to your schedule.

I know that's simple, but if you add it to your day, put it on your calendar, and make a plan, you're more likely to stick to it.

Your Family 

This season has given many of us significantly more time with our families. Whether that's because you're working from home, sports being canceled, or just overall changes to your schedules, you probably have more free time. Don't use this extra time to endlessly watch Netflix; invest this newfound time in your family! 

Here's my one tip to help your family life: make memories.

A few years ago, my family went on a quick vacation, and my daughter had gotten up earlier than the rest of us. Well, she woke me up too, and I decided to sneak out with her and get us some donuts. During our outing, I started calling her my "sneaker-donut-buddy." Random, I know. But to this day, I mention that name and she recounts our donut sneaking experience. It was neither expensive nor extravagant, but she remembers it with a huge smile. What can you do that's just enough out of the norm to make a memory with your family?

Your Spirituality

I'm a pastor. I have been for years now. And it never ceases to amaze me how many Christians delegate their spirituality to a pastor and a church. By that, I mean, they think it's the church's job to grow them spiritually. While that has a little truth to it, our personal spiritual growth is our own responsibility. Churches and pastors are a significant and vital part of helping you grow, but they're simply not enough.

You see, Jesus didn't die for you just so he could meet with you in a church once a week for an hour. He died for you so he could have an intimate, daily, and real relationship with you. Don't put your spiritual growth on your church--take ownership of that yourself. Read your Bible. Pray. Worship. Attend church. Listen to messages. Grow as a believer. 

Here's my one tip: what helps you most, do the most.

Do you love reading your Bible, but struggle to pray? Do you love worship, but struggle to read your Bible? Whatever way you connect with God the best, do that the most. I'm not saying neglect the other spiritual disciplines altogether, that's not healthy. But I am saying, whatever way you best connect with God, do that more than the others. I personally connect with God best while listening to preaching or reading a book. I still pray often, I still worship and attend church, but I know listening to preaching and reading books always helps me connect with God the best. What helps you the most?