In the book of Romans 12:1-2, the apostle Paul wrote, “Do not be conformed to this world, but continuously be transformed by the renewing of your minds so that you may be able to determine what God’s will is—what is proper, pleasing, and perfect” (ISV).

The key here is transformation. According to Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary, to transform means “to change in character or condition: convert.” However, by holding on to old beliefs or former ways of thinking and acting, there is no room for anything new and refreshing to enter your mind.

Bringing in the new year is not about the same person doing different things. That does not qualify as transformation. It’s about becoming a new you and making it more probable of having a happier new year instead of the same old one.

What will make a difference in the upcoming year is your state of mind. Without first committing to a renewed sense of self, simply making resolutions without dedication to follow through with them is futile. After all, the old you may not give in to new ideas.

So, what are some steps you can take to bring in the new year, well, newly? Begin by gently accepting suggestions that will elevate and open your mind to the idea of change.

Below is a list of ten profound concepts that you may find useful in approaching the idea of becoming transformed.

“The world as we have created it is a process of our thinking. It cannot be changed without changing our thinking.”
Albert Einstein

“The price of doing the same old thing is far higher than the price of change.”
Bill Clinton

“Those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything.”
George Bernard Shaw

“If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.”
Maya Angelou

“Change your thoughts and you change your world.”
Norman Vincent Peale

“They must often change, who would be constant in happiness or wisdom.”
Confucius

“To improve is to change; to be perfect is to change often.”
Winston Churchill

“Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.”
Barak Obama

“When we are no longer able to change a situation—we are challenged to change ourselves.”
Victor E. Frankle

“Prayer does not change God, but it changes him who prays.”
Soren Kierkegaard

I have had to do much praying, meditating, and letting go of false concepts of myself and of the world in order for change to unfold. And the journey has not been without frustration, apprehension, inner battles, and uphill climbs. But as I look back on who I was, what thoughts I would entertain, or how I felt, and compare myself to who I am today, I am humbled. My gratitude to God, the universal, infinite Mind, who found me worthy of transforming, is boundless. And though I am not yet who I hope to be, I stay the course; a simple earthling doing my best to embrace divinity. For it is now clear to me that there will always be more room to grow, to change until I awaken from this mortal dream of finiteness and see the unending, spiritual selfhood as I am face-to-face with God.

Give yourself the opportunity to become new by challenging the same old thoughts, and behaviors, for there is much more to the world, and to you, but if you resist change, then you will not see the wonders and splendors of a self and a world far beyond the limited view of what you see now.

Happy New Year!

ISV-International Standard Version