Setting Goals
For January, Monday Meditations will be focusing on goal setting as a Corpath member. Each week we will explore thoughts about how we set goals in business, life and spirit.
Proverbs 16:1 & 9, and Psalm 37:23-24
Here we are - January! The holiday season is over, and we are starting a new calendar year.
It’s at this time of the year when many people engage in the process of setting goals; creating new plans and strategies to help them excel and improve their lives, whether personally or professionally.
Q: Do you engage in setting goals at this time of year? What type of goals do you typically set for yourself?
It seems rather cliché to be writing about setting goals at this time of year. In fact, I struggled very much with whether to do this topic at all. There are so many perspectives on how to set goals, how to work them, and how to achieve them. What could I possibly say that would be any different?
However, over the past few days, I have had some unique thoughts as I pondered this topic and would like to share some of them with you.
Typically, we make goals to STOP doing something, START doing something or ACHIEVE something.
We may decide we want to lose weight and manage or eliminate, bad habits. We make plans to engage in something new, such as learning a new language or starting a new hobby. We set goals that make us feel better in the long run.
Q: What are some things you would like to STOP doing? START doing? Or ACHIEVE in the year ahead?
As we consider these thoughts, I want to propose to you that taking time to set goals is an act of HUMILITY. We begin the process by holding ourselves up to an intense light that reveals our faults and weaknesses. Then, once we have reflected on what we see, we make choices and plans for improvement, development, and growth. The acts of self-examination and course correction are critical disciplines of the Christian faith that we practice frequently.
As Christians, our priority when setting goals should be to honour Christ, grow ourselves in the faith, take better care of our temple (ourselves), be faithful stewards of what God has entrusted to us, and show love to others. Our goals inspire and motivate us to “press on” in our desire to grow in our relationship with Christ and others.
As Corpath members, we pursue excellence in business, life and spirit as we bring glory to God. Excellence is something we continually strive for. We constantly allow God to nurture and mould us in ways that draw us closer to Him. We realize the process of improving and developing ourselves – setting goals – is part of our faith journey that moves us towards a more stable future based on the hope for a “better tomorrow” that only God can provide.
I remember working on my goals in January 2020. I had some excellent plans for self-development, business growth, and other topics I thought were important. As I began to work on my plan, everything changed within a few months. The pandemic set in and upended my personal and occupational life. The goals I had set were obliterated and no longer relevant. Rather than completely abandon them, I decided to adapt to my new environment, adjust my course, set the new direction, and move forward. I was quickly recalibrating despite my lack of clarity and finite view of the world around me. I did my best to respond positively to negative factors that were against me. I set new goals without knowing exactly what the next day, week, month, or year would hold for me. Yet, as I did this, I frequently was reminded of God’s goodness and learned to trust him more. I didn’t need to be in control or have all the answers before setting the new course I believed was right for me.
Proverbs 16:1 & 9 says, “We can make our plans, but the LORD gives the right answer. We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps.”
Psalm 37:23-24 says, “The LORD directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the LORD holds them by the hand.”
Q: what do these scripture references mean to you as you think about making plans and setting goals for year ahead?
Making plans and setting goals is an act of godliness. However, we need to remain fluid when God takes us on a different path. Let’s remember that as we begin the new year!
Prayer:
My heavenly Father, I praise you for bringing me through another year. Your hand has been upon me all along, and for that I am grateful. As I look to the year ahead, I recognize the desires for improvement you have placed in me. I pray that as I move forward with my plans, I will always give way to your purpose for me. Guide me. Direct me. Let me be adaptable when things change. In your name, I pray, Amen!
Blessings always and all-ways,
Steve Shrout
President
Special Note:
If you enjoyed today’s message, then share it with someone. Also, use this content and questions as a discussion guide in your next Forum Group meeting.
Attached to this email is a printable PDF you can use to help with your meditation and reflection. I encourage you to print it, answer the questions and then keep it in a Corpath binder or folder for future reference and thought. You will receive a new PDF each week with each new Monday Meditation, and, over time, your binder will become a book representing your Corpath journey of BUSINESS thoughts, personal LIFE development and SPIRITUAL growth.
