James H. Willis, III
Founder and President
Ha! This is a big topic that very few people accomplish. Now I know we normally might talk about goals for the New Year. Well, in many lives we might begin a new school year with goals or plans goals for the “Snowbird” season, and some companies set goals for their new business year. So let’s view this as a“Goal Tune-Up!”
Goal setting is an ongoing process which serves as the basis for Life Planning. May I add that the process of goal setting is more important that the actual goals. Yet it is estimated that only 3% of Americans actually set goals—written goals. The reason this is so important for Christians is because it helps identify the “Biblical Stewardships” that are to be used as God-given gifts and resources (time, talents, treasures, truth, relationships, etc.) for the accomplishment of God-given goals and objectives.
Why Should We Set Goals?
1. They provide direction and purpose.
2. They help us to crystallize our thinking.
3. They provide personal motivation.
4. They are a statement of God’s will for us.
Why Don’t We Set Goals?
1. Fear of Failure.
2. Concern that it takes a great deal of time.
3. Lack of knowledge of how to set goals.
4. Lack of understanding of what goals to set.
So, as you can see, we are not just looking at setting goals from the world’s motivational speakers’ mindsets. We are setting “Faith Goals” or “An objective toward which I believe God wants me to move.”
I feel I need to emphasize the word “faith” by a couple of definitions:
• “Faith” is acting on the basis that this is what God wants me to do.” —Ron Blue
• “Faith is acting on the belief that the Bible is true in spite of my feelings and experiences to the contrary.” —Ken Boa
• Faith is not the denial of reality, but the acceptance of a greater reality.” —Beth Moore
This “Faith Goal” has 2 parts: my part and God’s part. So here is the question:
How do I set a Faith Goal?
1. Spend time with God.
2. Write down your impressions.
3. Make it measurable. (It is not a goal until it is measurable. At best it is a good intention.)
4. Take action or take the first step.
I will end with one more encouraging quote:
“A dream is just a dream. A goal is a dream with a deadline and a plan.” —Harvey Mackay
What are your “Faith Goals?”
Caring for you and yours,
Jim
The Willis Agency, Inc
813-948-9109
Jim@TheWillisAgency.com
www.TheWillisAgency.com