Nuns at my all-girls high school were strong believers and teachers of goal setting long before all the current lingo and movements came into being. I will be the first to say I have “claimed” many things throughout my long life. But, to be honest, I have a love/hate relationship with the phrase “Claim it!”

I have claimed for years that I am not getting cancer (and I’m not). Since 2020 I have claimed that I am never getting COVID. I am also claiming that my personal travel blog is going to be outstanding—monetized even. I am a firm believer in New Year’s resolutions, goal setting, and writing and speaking positive affirmations daily. My bathroom mirror is covered in post-its, magazine cutouts, and articles of things that I am striving for and claiming. But here’s my question: Are we claiming the right things, and do we value these things so strongly that we’re willing to put the action behind what we are claiming?

For me, I claim that I will never get COVID because I work hard to live a very healthy lifestyle. I walk 3 miles 6 days a week, I eat a healthy balanced diet, I still wear a mask in certain situations, and I’ve gotten the vaccines and the boosters. These are the minimal requirements to claim a COVID-free existence. I claim that my blog and social media platforms will be monetized because I work diligently on the content, take classes (online and in person), and listen to podcasts about content creation and blogging. I am always learning and working at blogging better. What are you claiming in 2023? Better health? Better job? More money? Love? Marriage?

How can we claim better health without being willing to drink less, smoke less, exercise more, and establish healthier eating habits? How can we claim a better job but not take advantage of the job we do have right now (even if we don’t like it)? There are bound to be some skills and self-discipline that can be gleaned from it. Are you claiming more money but don’t save and won’t consider getting a part-time job? Are you claiming love but aren’t in love with your-own-self? I’m not talking about a meme kind of love—I mean really, truly learning to love you. (If that means seeking licensed counseling, so be it.)

Claim the biggest dreams for your life but be faithful over the smaller things first. If you’re counting on God for your claims, remember the Bible says, “You were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things” (Matthew 25:21). God is not just handing us anything. Do your part and obey the prerequisites to His promises.

As a retired school counselor, I want you to have everything you are claiming—I really do! I am constantly amazed at the awesome travel and opportunities that have come to me in my golden years, and I am claiming even more. But as I claim it, I know I’ve got to work for it. I wouldn’t feel right putting into the universe a hope and dream without also sitting down to make a plan. Do you make a plan or write out the steps to manifest your dreams?

We can claim it, but first exercise wisdom. Claim it, but first exercise patience. Claim it, but first exercise discipline. Claim it, but first express gratitude for what you already have. Claim it, but start small—take a first step and then praise and congratulate yourself. And repeat daily.

What are you going to claim and work for in 2023—what will be your first step?