It’s that time of year when goal-setting and resolution-making kick into high gear. As Christians we are no strangers to new beginnings. Yet, too often, we fall prey like so many and fail to realise the power of God at work in our lives.
Forget the former things; do not dwell in the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland. Isaiah 43:18-19
I’m convinced that God’s power is the ultimate source for us to tap into as we plan our next year. It is also my firm view that we should approach goal-setting in a way that reflects our faith.
My prayer is that with goal-setting (and every other area), we will experience God’s power at work in our lives.
I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. Ephesians 1:18-19
Now, it’s one thing to say we want to experience God’s power, it’s another thing to actually apply that power to our lives. As I approach my New Year I’m devising a plan that taps into that ultimate power-source which I’m sharing with you.
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Tweet ThisMy goal-setting plan for the upcoming New Year is based on:
- my own experience with goal-setting;
- my professional experience as a strategic planner (yes, one of my many hats);
- tips from leading experts in the area; and
- the good old, power-packed Word of God.
I pray that this will inspire and empower you on your own goal-setting journey.
In a nut shell my plan has five steps:
- Pray
- Choose One Word
- Set Goals
- Envision it
- Live it
Goal-Setting for Christians
Here are the details:
1. Pray
God has a plan and a purpose for each one of us. I’ve learned the hard way what it feels like to live outside of God’s plan and I certainly don’t want to go down that road again. So as I make plans for the year the first thing I aim to do is seek God’s will. I approach him in prayer fully expecting that He will lead and guide me.
For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10
2. Choose One Word
It is usually during one of my intentional goal-setting prayer times that God gives me focus. I love having a word for the year to meditate on and guide me throughout the year. This past year my word was ENOUGH and God showed up time and time again to remind me that He is enough for me.
For inspiration in choosing your One Word read How to Choose a Word for the Year (and 25 Ideas to Get You Started).
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3. Set Goals
This is the real meat of the matter. And truly, goal-setting really isn’t as painful as we make it out to be, unless of course you’re trying to go it alone. When God is at the helm, you’ve prayed through His will for you and sought his direction, it makes all the difference. You can then step into your year with a sure foundation.
And because I like to keep things simple, I created the Goals Made Simple series of workbooks. This is where I share tried and true tips for setting goals without the overwhelm — because who needs that. The workbooks cover goal planning, goal review and time tracking — all the key topics to set you up for success this year!
4. Envision it
Part of my goal-setting process for the past 3 years involved creating a Vision Board. I incorporate my One Word as well as images of my envisioned future.
A vision board is a powerful tool to keep you inspired throughout the year. One glance at your vision board reminds you of the journey you’re on and motivates you to keep going.
Even if you feel you’re not the creative type having a visual of your goals will help. Consider what goal-setting guru Michael Hyatt does. He keeps a typed list of his goals framed and displayed in a prominent place. He’s convinced that doing this one thing makes him more productive by far. And we have to admit, he’s one pretty productive guy.
5. Live it
With your goals in hand, it’s time now to live them out. To help keep me on track I developed my Spark Success 90-Day Goal Planner system to document my goals and measure my progress.
Features include:
- Goal Setting tips to get you started
- Brainstorming for key areas of your life
- Your One Word and Personal Mission Statement
- Top 10 Goals list
- Year at a Glance
- Motivational quotes on purposeful living
- Monthly planning pages with
- Goals Progress
- Goals Review
- Accountability
- Tools/Resources
Take a sneak peek of the 90-Day Spark Success Goal Planner.
As you live out your goals, remember to have fun. Life, after all, is meant to be lived to the full.
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10
Also remember to add grace. They’re called goals for a reason and by the very nature of the word, goals are something we’re always striving for. Should you fall short, grace abounds.
What about you?
What’s your plan for the New Year?
Are you excited as we prepare to enter a new year? I hope you are, and if not, I pray that these 5 steps will be the motivation you need.
Wishing you blessings,
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I’ve been busy praying over my goals and setting some specific things I can do. My One Word this year is Linger, and my verse is Isa 26:8Â Â “We’re in no hurry, GOD. We’re content to linger in the path sign-posted with your decisions. Who you are and what you’ve done are all we’ll ever want.”
I have been gearing up for a big year and this is so helpful to me that I reach my goals. I am going to add to my to do list to make a list of my goals and put it somewhere in my home where I will see it every day. They say out of sight out of mind, so having them visible will serve as a great reminder. Thank you for the tip. Do you have any recommendations on how to receive your one word? I have tried this in the past and have never really felt like I could understand what my word was for the year.
Thank you for your inspiring post! It’s so nice to read uplifting content that makes me want to be a better person.
Powerful message on goal-setting, Marva. I like how you say to envision it and live it. Years ago I resolved not to make resolutions because I’m not a fan of the making and not keeping them part. 😉
And while I never jumped in and chose one word either, this year the Lord led me to a Scripture for my year. “In him we live and move and have our being.” Acts 17:28a, ESV. The entire chapter is chalked full of context before and after this verse driving home the point that in God we make every goal, make every move, make every decision and have our entire being wrapped up in who He is.
Happy New Year!
Thanks for sharing that verse, Karen. I love how you broke it down on your blog and I’m sharing it here so others can be inspired as well: https://www.karengirlfriday.com/hello-new-year-3-things-really-matter/
New year blessings!
I love how you’ve broken this down into 5 actionable steps! Very doable!
The word “experience” is one that has been floating around in my head for the last month. Although my One Word for the year is HOPE, I think that God wants me not to just understand that word, but EXPERIENCE it!
Like you, I want to experience God’s power at work in our lives.
Happy New Year, Marva!
I love how the two words have combined for you, Rachel and you’re right. Hope is meant to be experienced, to be lived, not just sit dormant in our hearts. I can’t wait to see what God will do in your life in 2019!
Blessings to you and a very happy New Year.
Loved this Marva. I haven’t even started thinking about goals for 2017, so thanks for the reminder. Blessings!
I’m so glad you liked it Ginger. Never mind that I’ve started early it still takes me some time to settle on my One Word and that’s when the ball really starts rolling. Let’s be sure to keep in step with the Spirit and He will guide us every step of the way.
Blessings and sparkles to you, my friend.
I am trying a new goals method for 2017 that I found via James Clear’s website. He talks about putting “systems” into place (which sounds so “corporate”, but I see how it can be totally beneficial).
I love your 5 steps for goal setting! And I think I’m going to try doing a vision board for mine, this coming year, as last year my “one word” got lost among the shuffle of daily life (didn’t stay a “focus”, like it’s supposed to). Thanks!
Jenn, thank you for sharing how you’re going to knock out your goals this next year. I love the idea of having a system in place to really make your One Word come alive.
Following on from your word, I pray that we will BECOME so much more of what God intended us to be, all by His grace.
Excellent advice as we head into the New Year, Marva. I love this statement: “My prayer is that with goal-setting (and every other area), we will experience God’s power at work in our lives.” Me, too, friend. May you know Him more and more in 2017. Keep sharing and sparkling! #MomentsofHope
Thank you for those kind words, Karlene and for taking the time to visit. May you shine even brighter in 2017!
simple yet so effective!
That’s my hope, Mihaela. Goal planning doesn’t need to be difficult at all and I hope these tips help you shine for Christ.
What a practical word today, Marva!
I love your steps and the incentive you are giving away when people sign up for Grace Goals.
Thank you for sharing such great advice~
I’m thankful for you,
Melanie
Thanks, Melanie. I pray that your Christmas holidays will be full of good cheer. Blessings to you, my friend.
i LOVE how you make all of your posts SPARKLE! Every time I read one of your titles, I find myself grinning. Like this one. I love your 5-step plan, including Arabah’s course… such good stuff here! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, Marva!
Haha, Dianne. So glad I could put a smile on your face. 🙂
Thanks for being such a sweet friend and passing this along.
Btw, I absolutely loved your Not So Silent Night post. You really made it come alive!
Wishing you Christmas blessings as well.