Setting Goals in LIFE
For the month of January, Monday Meditations is focussing on goal-setting as a Corpath member. Each week we will explore thoughts about how we set goals in business, life and spirit.
(Various Scriptures)
For the month of January, Monday Meditations is focussing on goal-setting as a Corpath member. Each week we will explore thoughts about how we set goals in business, life and spirit.
As we continue the series of “Goal Setting” for Corpath members, I want you to know I am acutely aware of the audience that is reading this. Each of you is ambitious, progress-focused and driven to succeed in your own way. With that understanding comes the recognition that each of you also likely has your own system, or “way”, of creating and navigating your personal GROWTH PLAN. We are similar in this regard.
You will notice I used the term “growth plan”. That’s because I think the idea of setting goals has been overused, especially at this time of year. Years ago, we typically used to engage in the trendy activity of making “resolutions” every January. As time went on the concept morphed into goal setting, which seemed to broaden into many topical areas (personal and professional) but didn’t necessarily have to be done in January. Lately, it seems we have become more aligned with the idea of establishing a growth plan that helps us accurately identify areas where we could/should initiate positive development for ourselves. Again, this doesn’t need to be done in January, however, it still seems to be a logical time to start something new.
Q: Do you create a growth plan for yourself? If so, when do you typically do it? Do you have a system that you’ve created to help you with the process?
Over the years I have spent much time in self-development thinking. At times, I have dedicated specific days to break away and REFLECT on my current reality (what’s good or not), DETECT what needs abandonment or improvement, and then PROJECT what a better year could look like. That’s a system that I have used as a foundation for many years and seems to keep my thinking on track as I create my personal growth plan in a very intentional way.
For me, there are five distinct areas of my life that I cover when thinking about my growth plan. They are as follows:
PHYSICAL - 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; 1 Timothy 4:8
I tend to start with this topic because I find it to be the easiest. It takes into consideration my activity (exercise) habits, eating style (diet), and sleep quality. It’s usually not difficult to find areas of my physical self that can be tweaked for improvement. We often think about caring for ourselves for the purpose of encouraging us to live more comfortably and longer. As Christ-followers, we need to equally consider that our bodies also have another purpose - it is a temple of the Holy Spirit that resides in us. Our body is to be used for quality worship and service.
EMOTIONAL - Proverbs 16:32; John 11:35; Philippians 4:7
For me, emotional health means taking an honest look at how I’m feeling and responding to life as it happens. Am I acting in extremes? Am I irritable and short? Do I have an abundance of joy and happiness in my week? What types of activities support my mental wellbeing? Am I worrying about something out of my control? I have discovered my emotional wellness is directly influenced by the quality of my physical life, and the two are intricately connected. There are many accounts in the scriptures that talk about emotions. John 11:35, the shortest verse in the bible tells us Jesus himself had strong emotions when he wept over Jerusalem. In times of anxiousness and worry, it would do us well to remember the words of Philippians 4:7 that encourage us to give all our emotions over to God and put on a posture of gratitude.
MENTAL - Philippians 4:8; 2 Corinthians 10:5
There’s much talk about “Mental Health” these days. We have used the term loosely, in some cases, to define a plethora of thoughts about what it means. The topic is very broad. When I think about myself mentally, I like to consider if I have the will and ability to think deeply when needed. I consider if I am actively learning something new to keep my mind sharp. What am I reading? Can I think about one topic for a longer period and not be undistracted? It has become too easy to become a shallow-thinker and still be somewhat successful in life (by the world’s standards). We use GOOGLE too much - for everything. We use digital maps and GPS gadgets to help us find locations even though we’ve been there many times. Perhaps technology is taking away the need for us to be deep thinkers. For me, I want to be intentional about including my “mental wellness” as part of my growth plan. As Christians, one of the hardest areas to control is likely our “thinking topics”. Paul, in his letter to the Philippians and Corinthians, gives as a checklist of sorts that guides us on what sort of things occupy our thoughts. He exhorts us to bring every thought under the captivity of Christ.
SPIRITUAL - Joshua 1:8; 2 Timothy 2:15
Of all the areas that tend to become routine for Christians, this may be at the top of the list. We often do the bare minimums here and think we are doing well. We might participate in corporate worship (in-person or online) each week, read our bible in the mornings, and pray before eating. Some people do more, some do less. However, I believe we need to include this part of our life when we create a personal growth plan. For me, this part of my growth plan includes decisions that support my relationship with God. It also considers my purpose and how I live my God-given “why” every day. Over the years, intentionally growing in this area has shown great return in so many other areas of my life. As Corpath members, we strive to build spiritual disciplines into our lives in a way that adds value to our whole being. These disciplines include prayer and meditation, scripture study and knowledge, and other acts that help remind us of whom God is and why we worship Him. In doing these things we will have a deeper understanding of God’s will as we make decisions in all areas of our lives.
OCCUPATIONAL - James 4:14; Proverbs 6:6-11; 1 Corinthians 10:31
When we use the word “occupation” we tend to think about job-related topics. When thinking about my personal growth plan, I use the word to define what occupies my time, both personal and professional. If I am going to be intentional about my time, then that means being intentional about those things that I do during my day and choosing to do the right things at the right time. I once heard someone say, “the problem with many people today is they worship their work, work at play, and play at worship”. While that seems to be a statement about our priorities, it also can help us understand where adjustments may need to be made with respect to how we spend our time. Work when it’s time to work. Play when it’s time to play. Worship when it’s time to worship. Our days on this earth are short like the “mist that vanishes”, and for us to make the most of the short time, we need to interact with those things that add value rather than take it away. Whatever we do, whether we are eating, sleeping, working, recreating, serving, etc we are to do it with all for God’s glory.
Q: Of all the areas listed above, which one(s) have your attention right now? What will you choose to do to show personal growth in each of these areas within the next year?
Creating a personal growth plan (setting goals) often requires a system. It requires us to be brutally honest about ourselves, lean into the scriptures for guidance and to trust the Holy Spirit to give direction. I hope there to have been a couple of nuggets for you in this edition of Monday Meditations that will be of value to you as you create your own plan for growth. I encourage you to share some of your growth plan ideas with your Corpath brothers and sisters and hold each other accountable for reaching them in the year ahead.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, you have created all things. I see that all living things continue to grow and move throughout their lifespan, and this includes me. I ask you to show those areas of my life that are lacking. Give me wisdom and will to make the changes that lead me closer to you and build a life of quality and value that will be a Godly example to others in the year ahead. In humble reverence, 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.
