Stay Committed to Your Sacred Goals

There is still plenty of time in the year to reach those goals we so prayerfully set back in December.

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Here we are, two months into the new year.  The year started out with so much promise.  Maybe you prayed your way through Grace Goals and planned to make some progress on things that were important to you this year.  Or you spent a day in Pray Plan Prepare and made a master plan for your ministry or business.

You set these goals and they are significant.  Sacred, even, because they aren’t just your goals.  They are God’s goals for you.  You’d think that would be enough help us stay committed to them. But sometimes we need a little help. If you’ve lost focus on your sacred goals, it’s not too late to strengthen your commitment to them.

Remember Why You Set These Goals

The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands. Psalm 138:8 (ESV)

Whatever your goal is, there is a reason you set it.  There was a transformation needed, progress to be made, change to be found. Remind yourself what meeting this goal will allow you to do.

And maybe even more important, remind yourself what happens if you don’t meet this goal.  I’m not talking about self-imposed penalties like a dollar in the cuss jar if you can’t control your mouth.  I mean what happens in your soul if you step away from what God so strongly laid on your heart.  The damage there from not making progress in one area can put up roadblocks to growth in any other area of your life.

Create Time to Pursue the Goal

Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.  Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. Eph. 5:15-17 (ESV)

In the January Pray Plan Prepare workshop, we learned to balance our Time Budget. We added up all the hours we need to do the tasks we want to do, then we added up all the hours we have available to do them.  It was a sobering, shocking exercise.  One friend found she needed 17 more hours each WEEK to do all the things she wants to do!  17!!!  Sounds like some things need to move off her plate!

I’ve said it many times before … if you don’t have enough time to do all the things God has called you to do, you are doing things He didn’t intend for you to do.  It’s just that simple. Some soul-searching and sacrifice will be required to make time to pursue your goal, but it will be worth it.

PPP Jan ex
Grab the

January Pray Plan Prepare workshop and recordings

Learn how to Boss Your Time Around with a Time Budget and Weekly Plan.

 

Get Accountable

A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver. Proverbs 25:11 (ESV)

Sometimes, we try to keep our sacred goals a secret.  We don’t want to tell anyone because then we will have to face up to them if we fail.  But that is a self-defeating strategy.  It’s not necessary to shout it to the whole world, but at least find two or three like-minded friends who will not only be your supporters, encouragers and cheerleaders, but will also hold you accountable. They’ll be the ones who give you the tough talk when you stop making progress and start making excuses.  Words like that are a gift … like apples of gold.

Invest in your goal

The place where your treasure is, is the place you will most want to be, and end up being. Matthew 6:21 (MSG)

Ok, so now I know I am meddling. I’m definitely not one of those marketing manipulators, making you feel guilty about not spending hundreds or even thousands to pursue your dream.

You know, the ones who say things like,

“If it’s REALLY important to you, you’d find the money.”

“It takes money to make money.”

And there is some truth in those statements.  But there is also the truthful reality of family budgets and  limited resources.  If it is not possible to invest financially right now, pray about doing one thing that would help you move forward and then start saving up for it.  In addition to tools, courses and coaching, consider investing in things that will help you create time, like help around the house or a quiet hotel room nearby to get away and focus.

Enjoy a sample module from my More Than A Blog Course, Using Your Resource Triangle. It includes a study of a little-known woman in scripture who uses her resources well, the Resource Triangle worksheet, and a video walkthrough of the worksheet.[email-download download_id=”3762″ contact_form_id=”716″]

Keep your goal visible in front of you

In his Rapid List Building and Get 10,000 Subscribers courses, the first thing Bryan Harris has you do is write the number of your next milestone and why you want to reach it on a piece of paper and stick it somewhere you will see it every time you sit down to work.  Even though I long ago surpassed that first milestone goal, I still keep that paper where I can see it.

The power of visibility is not in just the goal, but also your reason why.  How many times have we plastered pictures of bikini-clad skinny girls on our refrigerator? Did that really help anyone?  Not me.

Download this Goals Declaration to fill out and hang near your workspace to keep your goals visible.

[email-download download_id=”4545″ contact_form_id=”716″]

 

There is still plenty of time in the year to reach those goals we so prayerfully set back in December.  Which one of these ideas will help you stay committed?

 

Linking up with Holley Gerth at #CoffeeForYourHeart, Crystal Storms at #HeartEncouragement, Susan Mead at #DanceWithJesus and Arabah Joy at #GraceandTruth

 

 

8 thoughts on “Stay Committed to Your Sacred Goals”

  1. I always love the encouragement and practical advice here, Christa. You are definitely right about TELLING others. I’ve found that when I don’t do that, my goal is not real. It stays like a dream when I have no accountability. Something about just telling someone is powerful.

    Reply
  2. This is so encouraging, Christa! “if you don’t have enough time to do all the things God has called you to do, you are doing things He didn’t intend for you to do.” What a terrific eye-opener. Thanks for keeping it real and positive.

    Reply
  3. Amen and amen, my friend. Glad I have you in my corner to help me stay accountable. Used my 17 hours example to teach from this week. 🙂 Thanks for all you do!

    Reply
  4. Christa,

    I was able to sit in on a few of the sessions last with the HIS GIRLS ONLINE SUMMIT and one thing I really took away was a genuine desire in your heart, as well as Arabah Joy and Susan, to take hands and guide others. It just really blessed me and I appreciate your willingness to share your gifts here.
    Thanks!
    Blessings,
    Dawn

    Reply
    • I’m so glad you were able to join us, Dawn. We had a great time. I am thankful for all the writers and bloggers who have been (and are!) supporting me along the way!

      Reply

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