As we begin this New Year, let’s commit to our aspirations. In doing so, we need to establish realistic goals. Setting goals that are achievable can be challenging. According to experts, “goal setting is a process that starts with careful consideration of what you want to achieve and ends with a lot of hard work to actually do it.” Nothing can be effectively achieved in life without effort and sometimes our efforts can be painstaking and arduous work.
Set your goals on something that you care about deeply so that you are motivated to put in the hard work that is required. If you want to be the best person you can be this year, it will require you to put in the hard work each day. A new year can be a new you. Perhaps you will set a goal to contribute more time volunteering with a non-profit organization. If that is your goal, choose an organization that you are passionate about.
Goal setting can be the key to your success in life. To set clear goals, you must start by establishing what it is that you want to achieve in life. Remember that we all have a purpose in life. We all can contribute to making this world a better place to live for all of God’s people.
To be effective, goals must consist of two components:
- What needs to be done. In selecting a worthwhile goal, one that is meaningful to you and the people of God, determine how it will positively impact others.
- How it is to be achieved. Remember that often, to achieve your goals, you might have to sacrifice something else. Consider things that you might not be able to do in pursuing your goals.
It is therefore helpful to start your goal setting by asking God for guidance. Knowing his will brings focus and power to your goals and leads to the greatest and most impactful results.
The book of Proverbs tells us that “we should commit to the Lord whatever we do, and he will establish our plans.” In the book of Jeremiah, the Lord says to him, “I know the plans I have for you. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” So, include God in all your goals and you will be successful this year. And Never Give Up! Never Give Up! Never Give Up!
By Dr. Walter Ghosten
chaplain@lhp.net
