Another Round of Personal Goal Setting?!
Written by Rev. Dr. Scott Paczkowski
“The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.”
I have read more goal-setting books than I care to remember. Unfortunately, none have been life-changing. Yet, I continue to read the next one with anticipation and hope. Goals are essential because, without them, others can control our life choices, or we move directionless through this short journey we call life. Sure, we attempt to emulate the goals of those we respect, but that can only take us a short distance because each person’s situation in life differs.
In his book Goal Setting, Kam Knight confirms, “Unless the person creating the map understands your unique position in life-your strength, weaknesses, skills, and lack thereof-any direction they provide will be basic.” Therefore, it is incumbent upon each one of us to do the work necessary to learn about ourselves and then set the goals that will help us fulfill God’s call for our lives. No one else can do the goal setting for us.
“Goal setting,” according to Knight, “is the process of defining specific, measurable, and time-targeting objectives.” Once we write our goals down, the mind regularly reflects on them and the opportunities they might provide at any given moment. But, equally important as what to focus on, goal setting also allows us to reflect on what we should set aside or ignore.
Jesus had many opportunities in life. He could have been a carpenter like his father. He could have been a scholar like those he met in the Temple when he was twelve. He could have been a Zealot soldier like Judas hoped he would be. Yet, because Jesus aligned his goals with God’s will, he fulfilled his call as our Messiah. Learn from Jesus’s example and reflect on your life goals. Then, pray that your goals align with God’s call for your life. Once your goals and divine call are in harmony, your life will be meaningful and fulfilling.
