Goal Setting with God: Setting and Achieving Goals that Honor His Will

6 TIPS TO HELP YOU TRANSFORM YOUR DREAMS INTO REALITY THROUGH PRAYER AND PLANNING

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YALL! Where did the time go?! It’s wild to think we made it to 2023. Thank you, God! *praise break*

It's the start of a new year and a perfect time to reflect on the past and set intentions for the future. Setting goals can be a powerful way to focus your energy and stay motivated, as well as to measure your progress and celebrate your achievements.

Goal setting is also a process that requires careful thought and planning. It's important to set goals that are in alignment with what God has designed for your life. Allow yourself to be open to the sacrifice and willing to submit when needed to get to the promise God has for you.

In this post, we will explore some best practices for goal setting, and offer some tips and strategies for making the most of the new year. Whether you're looking to advance your career, improve your health, or simply make some positive changes in your life, I hope this post will help you get started on the right track.

I know, I know... No one wants to set new year’s resolutions and trust me, I don't either! Goal planning and outlining for me is a way to write out the vision and make it plain (​​Habakkuk 2:2) as God reminds us to do. It doesn’t have to be a long exhaustive list, and it doesn't have to be overwhelming. Start small with one or two for the first six months and revisit throughout the year. If you aren't sure how to start or where to start, here is a good starting point:

"Then the LORD replied: “Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it." (Habakkuk 2:2)

Set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals:

This method of goal setting helps you to set clear goals that can be achieved. Break out your goals into smaller goals so you aren't overwhelmed along the way. For example, you want to buy a house. Instead of writing out buy a house on the goal list, write out steps you can take to get to buying your home. Set a savings goal, limit the number of times you will eat out a month, find a local realtor, etc. Ask God through prayer what your goals should look like and then write out the smaller steps that lead to you the bigger goal. This will help you get to the bigger goal with less anxiety and a clear plan.

Create a timeline and schedule to stay on track and hold yourself accountable:

Timelines and schedules are so important when setting goals. Do you want to achieve it in six months or in five years? Writing out a realistic timeline allows you to have a useful tool to track and measure how close or far you are from achieving your goal. Get a planner that allows you to break out each month as the year goes along. It is also a great way to hold yourself accountable along the way!

"When I said, “My foot is slipping,” your unfailing love, LORD, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy. (Psalm. 94: 18-19)

Don't be too hard on yourself if you experience setbacks or challenges:

When starting something new or setting goals that may be difficult, give yourself grace. You aren't always going to get it 100% right, and there may be some setbacks along the way, but the main thing is that you are taking steps to achieve the goal. Be patient with yourself and also take any frustrations to God and ask him for guidance and strength to continue. (Psalm 94:18-19)

Use visualization, positive affirmations, and scripture to stay motivated:

It can be hard to steer the course, especially with long-term goals where you may not see a result or return for a while. I like to use vision boards and affirmations to reinforce scripture to stay motivated. Having a visual of the goal you are working to achieve is a great way to remind yourself it is attainable. While the words spoken and repeated through affirmations and scripture reverberate the energy of God’s love and support on your journey.

Regularly review and adjust your goals as needed:

We all know life happens and that is okay! However, your goals should be a reflection of your current circumstances. And as life changes and flows it can mean sometimes you will need to adjust your goals. You may change your interests or priorities too, which means there may need to be an adjustment or review of your goal. Adjusting goals doesn't mean you are failing or have failed, it just means you are evolving and changing. That is one of the most beautiful things we can have on this journey.

Celebrate your progress and accomplishments along the way!

Don’t forget to have fun! The start of a new year is a time to renew your energy, get focused, and take steps to be the best version God has called you to be. Enjoy the journey to getting there.

Final Thought

I want to encourage you to remember the importance of setting goals that are guided by your values and rooted in your faith. As believers, our ultimate goal should be to honor God and align our actions with His will for our lives.

As you set your goals for the new year, I encourage you to pray for wisdom and guidance and to ask God to help you set goals that will bring Him glory and further His kingdom. Remember, it's not about achieving success or achieving perfection, but about seeking God's will and trusting Him to lead you along the path He has for you.

I pray that God will bless your efforts as you set your goals for 2023 and that He will give you the strength and determination to see them through. May you find joy and fulfillment as you seek to serve Him and others, and may you experience His presence and grace every step of the way.

As always, I love you!

Amanda

♡