Isaiah 32:8 says, “The noble man makes noble plans.”
Proverbs 16:3 promises, “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.”
Can you believe we are looking at the year 2020? We are embarking upon a whole new decade! Have you taken the time to write your goals for the New Year? Have you taken the time to write down the goals and steps you will take to achieve them? We do not want to have any regrets about not accomplishing our goals for this 2020. You may not have written your goals earlier, but it is not too late for “mapping out your goals for 2020”.Start now and follow the practical suggestions at the end of the article.
What are your goals and what actions will you take to achieve your goals in the New Year? So I am asking you and I am challenging myself too, write your goals. I challenge you to write at least what three goals (but strive to write all of them as much as possible) you will set for this year and what actions will you take to achieve them.
Goals are a must for any person who desires to accomplish something great. Planning is a part of the process of truly successful people.
Without a plan, you will not be able to achieve much, because of broken focus. Creating goals is valuable for it helps one to focus upon the attaining of that particular purpose, which is important to the dreamer.
Goals are important because they help to steady the mind upon the pursuit of the thing desired, until it is realized. And it is well worth it to begin the New Year right, with a set of goals which can motivate and catapult you in the direction of the attainment of a worthy course, the fulfillment of your dream.
What are goals? Simply put, goals are the stepping stones to reach a destination which you desire to fulfill. Goals are not just the dream in your heart, but rather, they serve as the plan, the how to, the path you need to walk, day by day, to the realization of that dream.
Your dream may be to attain a certain position in the company you work for. Or it may be to make more money in your chosen profession. Then again, your dream may be to start your own business or to raise the level of your business to another level. Your dream may be to have a better relationship with your family or to be a better speaker, teacher, preacher, or worker. Your goals can be spiritual such as to increase your prayer life and to develop an intimate relationship with the Lord.
The Bible encourages us to write our goals. Isaiah 32:8 says, “The noble man makes noble plans.” Proverbs 16:3 promises, “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.” We should have dreams and set goals to reach the dreams, but remember that God holds the authority to say “yea” or “nay”-veto power: “Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails”. (Proverbs 19:2)
Regardless of the dream, you need to set goals based upon that dream, and then take action immediately, working that plan day by day, until the goals are reached and the desire becomes a reality. Here are a few tips for the attaining of any goal.
- Set the goals based upon the dream in your heart.
- Write your goals down. Write them in such a way that is clear and focused. This may take time, but the clearer the vision, the better it is to walk it out.
- Make the steps to the attaining of the goal as practical as possible. This may involve asking others for their advice, who are more knowledgeable than you are. Do not neglect to do this because in the multitude of counsellors there is safety. Getting advise from others may save you valuable time and money.
- Make the goals practical enough to work them daily. This will give you motivation to act on your goals.
- Write down specific action items you must undertake to accomplish your goal in a manner that will help you to measure your progress. Make the steps to the attaining of the goal as practical as possible.
Make your goals S.M.A.R.T. — Specific (not just lose weight, but instead “lose 35 pounds”); Measurable (How will you know when the goal has been accomplished by how much or how many?); Attainable (Goal too out of reach may not be completed. 20lbs a week vs 4 lbs a week for the first two weeks ); Realistic (“never eat chocolate again” — , but better to say limit it to one day a week!); and Timely (set a date – If no date there is no commitment). - Take immediate action. Master procrastination. Once your goals are set, begin to implement them right away. Do not wait on a feeling to get going. The feelings will come more and more, as you reach one goal after another. So don’t wait on a feeling. Start NOW.
- Believe in yourself. God created you a valuable person, with gifts, talents and the ability to make things happen. So believe in God, Who believes in you, and believe in yourself and what He has given to you. You can do it. You can attain it. You can handle the challenges which are sure to come. Believe in yourself. And believe that God will always be there to help you.
- Persist. There is no other word as vital to your success as persistence. It will overcome every barrier, leap over every hurdle, knock down any giant, remove each resistance and enable you to fulfill the dream of your heart. Persist. Keep at it. Never give up and never cave in. Keep on keeping on. You are bound to hit the mark if you never stop trying.
- Read a chapter from the Book of Proverbs in the BIBLE each day. This Book from God’s Holy Word is filled with practical insights which govern true success and is sure to help you, encourage you and motivate you to be your best.
Practical pointers 1-4 and 6-9 are from Pam Perry and Sheldon D. Newton Newton is an inspirational and motivational speaker, teacher, pastor and seminar lecturer. He is the author of various life-transforming books including: Refuse to Live the Common Life, The Positive Power of Biblical Affirmations, Visit his website at: http://www.sheldondnewtonministries.org/
Ministry marketing pioneer, social media strategist and PR Coach Pam Perry helps Christian authors garner publicity and leverage online strategies. As a 20-year PR veteran, she is also the co-author of “Synergy Energy: How to Use the Power of Partnerships to Market Your Book, Grow Your Business and Brand Your Ministry.” For a free MP3 of “What Every Author Should Know,” go to http://www.PamPerryPR.com/.
Linda D. Fegins ldfaygo@gmail.com