This morning the sun is shining, dazzlingly bright against the canvas of white snow and a gorgeous blue sky! I simply had to go out and tramp around in it a while, capturing some photos. Everything is so clean, crisp, and bright.
Now I’m back at my desk to continue the discussion on setting goals, sharing a little run-through of the process I use these days. I’ve been a little hesitant writing these posts, realizing my experience is simple and limited compared to many who are so much more experienced and polished in their approach to getting things done. But – I write to encourage you. If I miss something that you wonder about, please ask away in the comments – and please share your tips and ideas as well! I’d love to learn!
I get excited about quality paper planning tools, so I definitely recommend the PowerSheets planner (I am not affiliated with the company). It is beautiful! This year I am using the lovely blue Perennial edition, for its goal setting prep work and monthly Tending Lists, along with a gorgeous Southworth daily/weekly agenda-type planner to help me organize my action steps by the day. But the great thing is, while I am beyond grateful for the blessing of using these special tools, these principles can be applied with any way you organize your time and schedule!
-First, I love to begin by praying for guidance about goals to set and continue to pray over them.“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)
-Then I dig into the prep work/guided prompt section of the PowerSheets, which really helps me get clear on the big-picture of life. What will really matter that you accomplish as you reach the end of this year – and, even bigger, the end of your life? Why? It’s very helpful to write this down. When something is super important to us, it’s worth making sacrifices for, in time, energy, or other resources…whereas, resolutions made on a whim, unconnected to anything in particular, are often soon forgotten.
-But, on the other hand, big pictures can easily be so big and so lofty as to be unattainable. 🙂 So, next it’s time to break my big-picture ideals in practical goals I can actually do something about today. A big goal of nurturing my health, for example, can be cultivated by simple things such as exercising for 10 minutes a day with the accountability of family members, making a habit of an earlier bedtime, or regularly baking with sourdough.
-Then, I actually make a list for the month with goals for the month, routines for each week, and habits for each day. It’s important to put these specific steps somewhere where I’ll see them, remember, and have some accountability! That way I can cultivate and tend my goals to accomplish them through small, simple, consistent steps over time.
One habit I’ve cultivated is looking at that list everyday – I actually get to check a box when I do this – and it helps me remember what I’m working toward! This is where the goals become action and come to life!
Here are a few principles that I’ve found particularly encouraging along the way:
-It’s not necessary or realistic to change everything at once. In the past, when I’ve tried to completely redo my schedule, my habits, my whole life, all at the same time, often nothing ends up changing. Less is often a lot more when you’re trying to make changes. This is exciting!
-On a similar note, I’ve also been learning, though there are times it is a good thing to push myself beyond where I am, there is also great value in being faithful where I am. Maybe this means saying no to taking on a new project. Perhaps it’s just not feasible to learn a new skill in this season. And that’s totally okay. It is very valuable to set goals that are very relevant to the life you live – don’t feel like you have to do what someone else is doing!
-And – take a deep breath – it’s unnecessary to do things perfectly to make progress!! This has been one of the most life changing realizations. Before, missing a day of my new ideal schedule was a fail and could derail my whole plan. But now, I realize each time I take action toward a goal is a success and it’s adding up for a bigger purpose.
-At the end of each month, I love the take opportunity to recap how things went, what was really, really good, as well as what could be better…then it’s time to take stock of the next steps toward my goals and write a new list for the new month.
-PowerSheets recommend having a “goal refresh” every 3 months! This has helped my goals stay very current, relevant, and personal – and allows for far more fresh starts throughout the year. There are sometimes I really need the refresh for new momentum!
–I believe it is very valuable to create intentional goals, yet I also want to hold any goals with open hands as I seek God’s will throughout the year. “A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.” (Proverbs 16:9)
So, this is what my goal setting routine looks like right now! I’m learning and tweaking all the time, but I’m very thankful for this framework to use.
I hope this has encouraged you in some way! And I’d absolutely love to know… Do you set yearly goals? What are some of your favorite resources for managing your time? What are you most excited about in the season ahead?
Thank you for visiting in my small corner today!
Because of Jesus,
Maggie ♥
Martha Joy
January 20, 2024 at 7:07 pmThank you for your post, Maggie!!
Liberty
January 22, 2024 at 1:55 amYou are so right about making small goals and not starting off the new year with a goal too big. That has transformed my way of goals this year and I am so glad you wrote about it! This is a article that everyone should read who need advice about goals.
And to answer one of you questions, one of the resources I love to use is Daily Grace Planners. It sounds like yours is just like the ones they do as well.
Keep up the great work you do here.