Philippians 4:13
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
If you’re like most people, you have probably already made a few missteps or given up all together on the goals you set just a few short weeks ago. While we set our goals with the best of intentions, old habits, temptations, and self-doubt can all sabotage our ability to reach our new goals.
So how do we ensure that we stay on track and reach our goals? Consider these ideas.
First, if you are attempting to reach a goal that may take months, or even the year or beyond to accomplish, such as a weight loss, fitness, or career goal, often times we can become overwhelmed with the sheer size or length of the goal so we give up in defeat before we even begin. If you are chasing a long-term goal, consider breaking the larger goal into smaller weekly or daily goals. For example, if your goal is to lose 20 pounds by June, what is a smaller goal you can set for this week, or even today that will help you reach that goal? Stay focused on the smaller goals and eventually you will reach your larger goal. Never forget that the choices you make today, good or bad, are cumulative.
When I first began my master’s degree in Theology in 2012 I distinctly remember the overwhelmed feeling I had as I printed my first 20 plus page syllabus. As the pages rattled off the printer I began to feel a pit form in my stomach. I thought I must have made a mistake, I wasn’t sure how I was going to get all of the required work done while staying home with my then 2 and 4 year old boys. While the thought of quitting before I even began ran through my mind, what I decided in that instant was that I would read the syllabus over in its entirety once, but then focus only on one week at a time. After all, I can do anything for one week, right? So can you! Naturally, the weeks turned into months and before I knew it the program was over. Do the same with a larger goal you are pursuing. Break it down into weekly, or even daily goals and before you know it you will be looking back on the other side of a large goal reached!
Second, if you are attempting to achieve numerous goals this year, think about reducing your goals to a manageable number. I have well over 50 goals currently written down; however, I realize that some will take years to accomplish. For 2016 I am focusing on a few easy to attain goals such as having a monthly date night with my husband and monthly game night with my boys. In terms of larger goals, I am focusing my efforts on achieving 3 larger goals related to my education, future, etc. How many goals are you pursuing? Is the number realistic? If not, what goals should you put on hold and which ones should you pursue this year?
Lastly, (and most importantly) don’t try to achieve your goals on your own! If you are a believer in Jesus Christ you have the Holy Spirit living in you! Why rely on your own strength when you can draw upon God’s?! Purpose to spend time each day in prayer, asking God to help you reach your goal for that day. Philippians 4:13 tells us that we can do all things (even tackle the toughest of goals) when we have Christ living in us! Remember that with God all things are possible! (Matthew 19:26)
If you would like prayer for a goal you are going after today, please send me a message or email as I would love to pray for you!
Blessings,
Lynne
