Goal setting is an extremely important part of the planning process for the new year. Clear goals need to be set for the new year and keeping God at the center is integral to the accomplishment of those goals.
God calls you to plan with wisdom. Proverbs 16:3 says, Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.
Jesus also spoke about counting the cost before you start. See Luke 14:28.
When setting goals, you need to start simple; focus on action; and use your goals to honor Christ. Here is a clear path that can be used to set achievable goals.
Pray first. Ask God for guidance.
Write your goal in one sentence.
Make it clear, specific and measurable.
Set a realistic and feasible time frame.
Break it into weekly actions to further simplify the actualization process.
Review your progress daily.
Share your goal with a trusted friend for support.
Celebrate small wins.
Adjust through prayer when needed.
Goal setting is most achievable when actual values have been defined. Use real numbers.
We can learn from this simple example:
Goal: You want to read the New Testament in 90 days. (This is a clear and specific goal in one simple sentence with a 90 – days timeframe.
Weekly/Daily Actions: Read 21 chapters a week or 3 chapters each day. When you miss a day,
read 6 the next day. Stay honest with yourself. Keep going and review daily/weekly to ensure you are still on track to achieve this goal within the set timeframe – 90 days. Remember time frames have to be realistic. There are 260 chapters in the New Testament of the Bible and by reading 3 a day, you will complete the New Testament in precisely 86 days (4 days earlier than your 90 day set timeframe).
Finally, replicate this same approach for other goals in health, finance, academics, or ministry and link every goal to God’s purpose for your life. Matthew 6:33 reminds you to seek God first. When you do this, your goals stay aligned with His will.
In summary,
Stay faithful.
Pray.
Plan.
Act.