I love fresh starts. When I was in college it was a new semester- when I blew it in a game it was the next game- when I miss it in a teaching message it’s the next message. So I love the New Year and the sense of a fresh start. I try to set goals each year to help me move forward. Goals are like the small hand grips on a rock wall- they help me move forward and mark where I have been. For me, goals are bigger than resolutions. I list my yearly goals on the front page of my journal and look at them often. Setting goals has helped me lose weight, read through the Bible and establish and maintain a date night with my wife. I love the way The Apostle Paul says it in Philippians 3
which is God’s call through Christ Jesus to the life above.
Or another translation
heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.
Paul focused his life on God’s call and becoming exactly what God has designed him to be.
The goals I set are not in areas that I am already succeeding or practicing with consistency. For instance I won’t set a goal to be in the gym 3 mornings a week- I am already lifting 3 days a week with a partner. But, I will set a goal on the results I want to see. So I have been thinking and praying about my goals for 2008 and I have listed a few below:
- I will weigh 240 by May 31st
- I will read 6 biographies in 2008
- I will journal at least weekly in 2008
- I will find a hobby I enjoy in 2008
You probably notice I set my goals in the positive rather than the negative (I learned that from a mentor of mine, Bill Billingsley). I have a few more goals but these are the ones I will let you in on. How about you:
Do you set goals?
Can you give us one you have set for 2008?
What goal have you set that really helped you?
I want to be more like Hal Mayer… does that count?
Weight is good. 170 for me.
More time with God.
Be AT home when I AM home.
Brian Moon
http://www.theChurchInsider.com
Brian
You need to set Goals to improve!!! otherwise- good stuff.. thanks. See you soon
I like the idea of calling them goals instead of resolutions. I don’t formalize that stuff much, but I have a goal to make the 34 pants fit comfortably and to consistently make time to spend with the family. I gave Jen my work PC password so that she could book time on my calendar.
Now that is a cool idea- giving your wife your work computer!!
yes, I love goals. Last year, I did it monthly, some were accomplished, some were not but hey, no one is perfect, right? I intend to do the same thing this year. One goal I have set for 2008 is to share Jesus to one person a month (spiritual thing). The second one is to have a 1/2 million in sales this year.
wiash
Thanks. I find my experience to be similar. I don’t achieve all my goals- and they help me set the direction for the day and my life.
I don’t usually set resolutions as I find they aren’t usually accomplished. But I like the goals idea -
I to want to journal a least once weekly;
* to increase my runs from 2-3mi to 3-4 mi a min of 2x’s per week
* to tackle one project per month to improve our new home (i.e. paint a room, upgrade a section of landscape, etc.)
* to read 4 Christ centered books in 2008
I am motivated by your message Hal and will be purchasing a journal this weekend and putting my goals on the first page!
Sara
Very cool. You need to post again in a month and tell us how it is going.
I am very goals oriented and as I have set some personal goals in
regards to weight and finacials, work and home improvements. I have not set any goals for God yet for 2008.
So you’ve made me think, and I have not been giving God my best only my leftovers.
Goal 1: I ourchased a life jounal and will read the bible front to back this year and do daily devotionals.
Goal 2: I will go to an actual church service 2x a month. (I am a bit of a slacker at actually getting the kids and hubby dressed and out the door. We always seem to have an excuse).
Goal 3: Feed someone else with the word of God.
Susan
Sounds like you are focusing your life- very cool! You might try Saturday Night at the Bay. Right now we have a 5pm service… but we are adding a 2nd service February 2nd and our Saturday night times will be- 4:30pm and 6pm..
God’s Best