How to write goals with biblical alignment

GOAL setting is... wise, prudent and biblical

It’s quite common for our minds to be overactive with ideas and visions. Some directed by the lord and others our own imagination pulls together. But to not become overwhelmed, clutter our minds and to give us some focus and stability in where we are going, what we need to create our God led visions and goals which will allow us to connect the dots and create our journey.

What is a vision and goal?

Vision is the destination that one visualises and wants to achieve, but the path is unknown.
Goals help you to set the path for the rightful achievement of your vision, acting as milestones

God wants to give you a greater vision of who He is and the plans He has for you. The enemy's goal is to use guilt, insecurity and fear to keep you from growing and living a full, joyful life.

In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, - Ephesians 1:11

I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, - Ephesians 3:16-17

If we will consult the Lord before and in the midst of our goal planning, whilst seeking His guidance, and submitting to His will, I believe that we will be amazed. Not only by the process and the journey but the final destination of our goals.

Biblical keys for goal setting;

FAITH - We serve a big God, who can accomplish the impossible. There is nothing He can’t do. We can believe that He journeys with us and always has our best in mind. He is trustworthy and faithful.
HUMILITY - We never want to be in a position of demanding that things work out or that all our goals are accomplished exactly as we say. The Lord’s will always trumps our own. We need to be sure our attitude is one of humility before our holy and mighty God.
COMMITMENT - We need to commit ourselves to the tasks at hand.
DILIGENCE - Goals often require hard work. We need to be diligent in our effort.
PERSEVERANCE - We will face set backs and disappointments, but need to persevere through rough times. Don’t give up!
ALIGNMENT WITH GOD’S WORD AND WILL - Are we within the parameters of God’s Word and His character?
FORETHOUGHT & PLANNING - Have you done the appropriate homework before starting your task? Have we counted the cost, resources and timeline?

Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it. For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay. - Habakkuk 2:2-3

GOALS are like the most powerful sat nav

You have to know where you are going.
You improve accuracy and efficiency by adding specific details. If you don’t add the postcode or destination in your sat nav you won’t be going anywhere.
Helps to be aware of obstacles and resource requirements.
Yet WHY you want to get there is also important. Where you are going might present obstacles which you have not considered or delays, which you may want to consider and account extra time for. It's like starting a journey and your sat nav tells you 30mins then with traffic that adds another 10mins and then you notice a 30 minute trip now takes you an hour with all the traffic, delays and parking.

Thinking about the goals you written previously or about to write, consider why you want to achieve them? This will allow you to dig deeper and see if this is actually a goal you'd like to achieve or one others have pushed onto you but you don't have the passion or drive to see it through. Your goals, like a sat nav won’t work without you entering your final destination. Within that destination you will have directions which is your plan to ensure you reach the destination.

Just imagine you want to redecorate your house or build an extension, before you complete the task or seek builders won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete a project of this scale? I say this to say, without directions or a plan it's hard to reach your end destination / goal.

Your sat nav won't work without.... direction, timings, a car to drive or take you to your destination.

NO DESTINATION = NO DIRECTIONS

NO DEADLINE = NO URGENCY

NO REASON WHY = NO ACCELERATION, DETERMINATION, SACRIFICE OR DISCIPLINE

But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.” - 2 Chronicles 15:7

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. - Proverbs 3:5-6

We need to prepare our goals. We sometimes get so caught up with our day we don’t use our calendar efficiently and are not accountable. It’s important we first learn to block time for ourselves. It’s become the norm to wake up and go straight online but that time is so precious we need to get in a habit to give ourselves our daily plan. You need to be in the mindset of how can I fulfil my day, month with excellence and productively.

Now close your eyes for a moment and visualise how you can find some time to make the things you’ve written down. To help you plan your day and goals, I have created a calendar to enter your goals and how you can achieve them along with a daily planner to hold yourself accountable to your task. Click the links on the images below to download the resources.

In case your situation has turned upside down. And all that you've accomplished. Is now on the ground. You don't have to stay in the shape that you're in...Let me leave you with one of my favourite songs and know you are not alone.