Awhile back, I started a new practice of goal setting. Because my life is completely intermixed with my walk with the Lord, my goals are also prayer requests.
They also contain my dreams.
So for me, goals = prayer requests = dreams.
They are all the same.
The practice of goal setting has been so valuable to me that I want to share it with all of you.
What follows is how I do it. Your mileage may vary of course, but I hope this post inspires you to set your own goals in life.
Goals for the Year
1. I have a black notebook specifically designed for setting my goals (of course, a computer program or word processor can serve the same purpose. But I prefer a notebook.)
2. On a single page, I write down 10-15 goals for the year. I wouldn’t recommend adding more than 15 for a given year.
3. The goals are very specific.
4. The goals are not impossible nor unrealistic, but they aren’t a lead-pipe synch either.
5. Put a date on when I wish to see the goal fulfilled.
6. Review the goals every week and pray about them, asking God to fulfill them.
7. Sometimes you may have to adjust the date. Not a problem.
8. Put a check next to when the goal is fulfilled and add the date next to it when it was fulfilled.
Long Term Goals
On another page, I have written out my life goals. Those are long-term dreams.
I don’t date my life goals because I wish to see them fulfilled sometime in my life.
I review my life goals and pray over them as well.
It is my belief that the act of writing down your goals, reviewing them regularly, and praying over them is extremely beneficial to seeing them come to pass.
Scriptures on Planning
“May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed.” – Psalm 20:4
“In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” – Proverbs 3:6
“The plans of the righteous are just, but the advice of the wicked is deceitful.” – Proverbs 12:5
“Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” – Proverbs 15:22
“Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.” – Proverbs 16:3
“Make plans by seeking advice; if you wage war, obtain guidance.” – Proverbs 20:18
“The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.” – Proverbs 21:5
