New Year, New Goals

This is the time of year many people make resolutions, set goals, and choose their word for the year. I admit, I am one of those people, although I really don’t make resolutions anymore because I usually fail within the first week.

Instead, I’ve learned to set goals for the year, not all to be accomplished at once, but rather throughout the year. Some goals require daily persistence, while others not so much. All of the goals require discipline, which is my “Word for the Year” (actually, it’s one of three, but I’ll cover the other two in another post).

I’ve set goals before, but within a month or two, I forget about them as I focus on my daily routine. A couple of years ago, I decided to put my goals some place where I could see them on a daily basis, so I created a goal board (or what some would call a vision board). This worked for maybe a year. Last month, I looked at my board for the first time in months. It had become part of the room decor and something I ignored. As I reviewed it, I was quickly reminded of things I wanted to accomplish and hadn’t, though I had accomplished a few things (like this blog).

This year, I’m being more specific with my goals. I read through Michael Hyatt’s Best Year Ever where he lists specific steps to setting goals for the year. Hyatt also emphasizes changing the way you think about your goals and your self in order to achieve your dreams. It’s really helped me establish what I want to do and when.

So, I’ve written out my goals in a notebook and set deadlines. Now what? As with all things in life, accomplishing my goals will require discipline, which leads me back to my “Word for the Year.”

I am one of those who likes to plan, but lacks the discipline for follow-through. In order to accomplish my goals, it is going to require a change in me. A couple of my goals are quite substantial, requiring not only external discipline, but internal changes in the way I think. The only way I can accomplish them, especially with my track record, is through discipline.

I can make as many plans as I want, but if they are not the will of God, then I plan in vain.

Which leads me to my final point. The most important action I have taken in setting my goals is prayer. Proverbs 16:9 says “The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps.” I can make as many plans as I want, but if they are not the will of God, then I plan in vain. I want to bring glory to the LORD in whatever I do. I want to walk on the path He has set before me. That is why I prayed about my plans, narrowing them down to ones I believe fit His will.

What about you? Have you set goals or chosen a word for the year? How do you plan on accomplishing your goals? Here’s to a successful 2019!