Setting Goals for 2017
Introduction
This week we want to help you to take some huge steps in setting yourself up for your best year ever. We will introduce ways for you to better discover clarity and motivation as you set goals for this New Year. I know it’s mid-January but there’s no better time than now to set those goals or begin to revisit and refresh the vision you hold in your heart.
There are two Live Transformed Podcasts that will encourage you with your next steps.
MONDAY
Day ONE: Be Clear with Your Ask
Your limiting beliefs that emerge from the experiences of your past tend to be the leading hindrance from receiving everything Jesus has promised for you.
An important key to finding what you truly desire is having clarity. In scripture we find Jesus asking the obvious, “what do you want?” Better translated, “what are you willing for me to do for you?” What would be your answer?
This week I want to encourage you to have some extended times of being still. Sure you're going to answer all the questions and make your list of goals. But how would it make you feel if you were to hear His voice inviting you into a new level of relationship? A friendship that transforms your life, resulting in you being the person who accomplishes these goals this year.
Life gets exciting when you begin to live from the truth of your identity and you begin to experience effortless victory. Start today and imagine what it would look and feel like to have your best year ever.
Answer this question for each of these areas of your life:
What would your best year really look like?
Emotionally:
Physically:
Vocationally:
Financially:
For your family:
For your marriage:
Don’t have too many goals, and don’t make them unrealistic, but still make them slightly outside of your comfort zone!
TUESDAY
Day TWO: Get Motivated
You make goals… but then you procrastinate.
You write a to-do list… but then you don't follow through.
Seriously, what's the problem? Why are we so good at thinking of what to do but so terrible at actually doing those things?
Science supports that you're skipping an essential step. Here's what it is…
Productivity rarely takes emotions into account. And feelings are a fundamental and unavoidable part of why we as humans do what we do. We can't ignore our emotions. Because of the way our brains are structured, when thought and feelings compete, feelings almost always win. Attempting to fight with our feelings, research shows, this just makes them stronger.
Feelings are real but they are not always a reflection of truth. Emotions are a gift of God and an essential part of you executing your goals. Making your list and charting your course isn’t enough to cause change. Make yourself feel something!
When it comes to feelings we tend to have no problem envisioning “worst case scenario.” But let’s reverse that and find so new motivation.
- Happiness and Gratitude promote productivity. Remind yourself of these and write them down. What does the military teach recruits in order to mentally toughen them up? Optimism.
- Reward Yourself (after an accomplishment). Rewards feel good, penalties feel bad.
- Wisely choose your friends. The people you associate with often determine the type of person you become.
Think of yourself as a motivated, productive, happy person. Research shows how people feel about themselves has a huge effect on success.
“Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is [a]lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, [b]dwell on these things.” (Philippians 4:8 NASB)
WEDNESDAY
Day THREE: More Resources than you can possibly Imagine.
The truth is, big goals are always overwhelming. Mainly because they seem super difficult to achieve.
Strategy: Determine your desired outcome. Break down your long term goals into bite-sized pieces. Establish at least 3 goals for the next year (habit) which will lead you in that direction of your desired end.
You’re now charting your own map of success! As you remain faithful along the way resources will find you more than you can imagine. Your Heavenly Father is relentless in His love for you and He will reach you with His protection, provision, and Promotion.
The Lord directs the steps of the godly.
He delights in every detail of their lives.
Though they stumble, they will never fall,
for the Lord holds them by the hand.
(Psalm 37:23-24 NLT)
THURSDAY
Day FOUR: Make Peace your Goal
“If your success is independent of your identity it will always destroy you.” Bob & Audrey
A life led by the Holy Spirit will empower the heart of the believer to be both “sorrowful, yet always rejoicing” (2 Corinthians 6:10). We can expect sorrow from this world and full redemption from God. It’s amazing looking back to see the redemptive hand of God (Romans 8:28).
Making Peace your goal isn’t living without conflict, struggle or pain. Peace isn’t the absence of hardship but rather the presence of someone - Jesus our Prince of Peace.
As you actively pursue your goals this year, daily practice His presence, experience His love and then be the ambassador He has appointed you to be!
“For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation. 20So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!” (2 Corinthians 5:19-20 NLT)
FRIDAY
Day FIVE: Go a Little Deeper
I want to be the person to accomplish these goals. The changes in yourself are much more deeply satisfying than any actual stuff you may acquire, or achievements you make.
Each moment of every day there remains an invitation to be a follower of Jesus.
Most people like the comfort of having rules to follow. Rules give us a clear understanding of what is expected. Obey the rules and we feel safe, confident in our actions, and assured of their promised outcome. However, excessive focus on rules can make one arrogant and judgmental. Critical of others and one's self.
Jesus said, “Follow me.” The important difference between good works or dead works and following Jesus is where we place our focus. It’s not enough to believe right. It’s not enough to behave right. The invitation to follow is purely an invitation to relationship. It’s not an invitation to obedience. It’s an invitation to a relationship with your Father in heaven.
This year you’re moving in a direction to see some BIG changes take place. Go for it! All I’m asking is that you don’t go at it alone. Jesus called sinners and unbelievers to follow Him. He didn’t demand that they change first. He didn’t even demand that they believe He was the Son of God. He knew that if they just followed - if they just took a step in His direction, it would change their life forever.
Go a little deeper be a follower of Jesus. As believers, we are connected deeply to His heart and are invited to live in the shelter of the Most-High, rest in the shadow of the Almighty. He alone is my refuge, place of safety; He is my God, and I trust Him. His faithful promises are my armor and protection (Psalm 91:1-4).
“Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow Me.” Mark 8:3