10 Steps to Goal Setting

from the book by Mark Batterson, The Circle Maker

1. Start with prayer

Prayer changes us.  Prayer changes our circumstances. Prayer is essential in helping us realize our dreams and helps us focus while setting goals.  Prayer speaks to the heart of God and He longs to bless us in our pursuits.

“If you set the goals in the context of prayer, there is a much greater likelihood that your goals will glorify God.”

2. Check your motives

Is my goal for my glory or my personal gain?  Is my goal attention seeking?  Or, does my goal seek to honor others and honor God?  Does my goal bring blessings to others?  Is my goal serving those around me?

“If you set selfish goals, you would be better off spiritually if you did not accomplish them.”

3. Think in Categories

Using categories narrows the focus of the goal.  Here are some examples of categories.  Family, Influential, Experiential, Physical and Travel.

“All of my goals have some spiritual dimension to them”

4. Be Specific

Making the goal specific creates both accountability and a measuring stick of completion.  If my goal is too generalized, then I may not know when it is complete. A specific goal has a date associated with it, as well as a specific action that will be complete.

Here is one of mine: In my 50′s, I will take my children to Australlia to snorkle at the Great Barrier Reef.

“It is better to aim high and fall short than to aim low and hit the target.  And it’s okay to make revisions to our visions.”

5. Write it down

A goal that is written down is a statement of faith.  A written goal can be remembered and tracked.  A written goal, presented to others, provides accountability.

“If you haven’t written down your goals, you haven’t really set them.”

6. Include others

Set goals that include the people you love.  Write out a goal for your spouse.  Write a goal for each child in your family.  Let them help you in creating a shared goal.  Set goals in your faith community.  Set goals with your business partners.

“Goals are a relational glue.”

7. Celebrate along the way

As you make progress, take time to celebrate.  Thank God for the ability to accomplish goals.  Celebrate with the people who have supported you in your dreams.  Celebrating each small victory is a great way to be encouraged and to inspire others.

‘When God answers a prayer, throw a party.”

8. Dream big

Don’t sell yourself short.  Don’t put God in a tiny box. One of my BIG goals is to tour the USA for a year in an RV with our three kids.

“Big goals turn us into BIG people”

9. Think Long

Set goals that take your whole life to achieve. When setting goals, consider the legacy they will leave to your children and grandchildren.  Look at the big picture.  Seek to be inspired by the dreamers in the Bible and in history.

“Most people spend more time planning their summer vacation than they do planning the rest of their life.”

10. Pray Hard

In setting goals, we start with prayer and we need to end with prayer. Pray, pray and pray some more!!!

“As you circle your goals, it not only creates God ordained opportunities; it also helps us recognize God ordained opportunities.”

Would you like help in setting goals?  Do you need support in your life? 

We would love to help you.  Check out our life coaching business at http://everydaylifeline.com/

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