Often, especially at the start of the year, we get overwhelmed by the ideal. We want to accomplish. We want to be. We want to do.

The ideal may be good and true. But this life is a journey. Sanctification is a process. We become better over time, not with a magic wand in a moment. Remember, how do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.

Looking at an ideal or an ambitious goal is usually intimidating and overwhelming. But take a deep breath, step back, and adjust.

What if you simply work toward today being better than yesterday?

• Day-by-day dependence on God highlights his daily grace in your life and provision of daily bread.
• Steady progress over time is healthy and sustainable. (Healthy living vs. diets, anyone?)
• A clean slate each day is a motivating fresh start when needed. If the best you could hope for today was keeping your head above water — tomorrow is coming!

Take advantage of the resources available to you, whether that be through people you know or online or at the library. We are blessed with so much to use for learning and growing. A friend encouraging along the way and holding you accountable helps a ton (and keeps you from settling for less out of laziness or discouragement). Technology has downsides, but it also offers many tools for supporting your personal growth.

Just one bite. A little bit better today. Just better. Just today.