December 31, 2006
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Goals - Are Spiritual Why have Goals? - Only a few percent of people have a journal with written goals they update daily or at least periodically. Some view goals as an expression of selfish carnality. Others worry about being too "driven." One of the strongest incentives for goals is understanding the orientation of our faith; we become what we think about most of the time. Worse yet, if our focus is primarily on our fears (fear of failure; fear of what others think), we tend to inherit those fears. Our "faith" actually works against us.
Unintentional Goals - We all have goals whether they are written and intentional or not. In fact, our current lives are the unforgiving product of the goals we've set through the present time. No goals = no life. "Faith" operates by intentionally focusing on a desire or request and asking for it; then walking toward it with the actions that will produce it. Seeing answered prayer (fulfilled goals) is a great source of spiritual "life" and "joy."
I like myself! - Having goals requires an admission that your life has value (to God for example). The essence of willingness to set goals answers a single question that many people avoid, "What do I really want to do with my life?" I want to suggest that even God is asking each one of us that question. To answer correctly you have to place a value on your ability to make a contribution. I believe we each have value for several reasons; 1) we were created in God's image, 2) He loves us and puts value on our relationship, and 3) He has a plan that we've been invited to participate in. We get to choose from works that were created with us in mind.
Add all that up and you should be able to look into a mirror and say "I like myself" with a straight face. You can't really export something you don't have... Want others to feel loved? You have to feel that way first... Want to help them be happy? You have to be happy first. The Bible doesn't really tell us to "love ourselves." It assumes we already do.
The idea that your job is to serve and make others happy while being unhappy is good for monks, but not for Christians. Your life was intended to be a cup that is continually overflowing in every area. A well that waters others from its own abundance. Being Intentional About Goals - Passivity is the cancer of faith. No one was more intentional than our greatest Biblical examples... David, Jesus, Paul. Their determination and persistence in the face of adversity are a testimony of their faith.
The greatest hindrance that keeps us from our destiny in God are the beliefs that make it OK to not even try. Here are a few that need a proper burial. I Can't - BS
I've Tried - 7 X 70
I'm too Old / I'm too Young / I'm a woman - Great, you're perfect.
I'm Not Qualified - Welcome to the club! No one else is either.
How to Set Goals - In each of the 5 steps I've listed some of my own entries in each category as examples. Take the time to make your list and incorporate it into your devotions. These are your heart's desires and assignments from God. They're important. First - List your values - make a list of your highest values (virtues, priorities, etc.). What is most important in every area of your life
Second - trash your obstacles - make a list of the things standing in the way of achieving those values. As a separate exercise, list 10 ways to overcome each obstacle. Again, Here are mine.
Third - life time goals - List your life time goals.
Fourth - 3-6 month goals - List your more immediate goals that can be achieved in the next 3 -6 months.
Fifth - get help - Share some of your more important goals with someone and ask for help reaching them. "Help" could be in the form of mentoring / advice or it could be someone who jumps in and adds something to the equation because it lines up with one of their own goals. Significant achievements always involve the help of others. Adjust Your Goals Often - God will speak to you about the above four lists nearly every day. So... change them everyday. They are a living prayer list and a focal point for your faith and actions. Lastly, do something every day toward fulfilling your goals. Remember we over estimate what we can do in a month and underestimate what we can do in 10 years. Get started. You're much better off making a mistake or a poor decision and correcting it than doing nothing. Take it easy with your prophetic language... "God told me, showed me, gave me." Leave God and yourself room to adjust your plan. No one sees or plans perfectly partly because all the outside variables keep changing. Our decisions are made in the absence of perfect information about the future. We mature in our ability to make good decisions rather slowly - in case you haven't noticed! I read a statistic that suggested about 70% of our decisions are "wrong" - meaning they need some post-decision adjustments to stay on track. Even God makes mid-course corrections!
Life is an adventure. People are a blessing. God is amazing. We're winning. Love, John & Harold (are dancing - Join us) PS: I read a couple of really good books recently and put them on our recommendations. Our back issues are organized by topic - great way to find what's interesting! You've also been voting. Here are the greatest "hits" newsletters from the past.
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