Here are some pointers that should be taken into consideration in setting goals and achieving them. I’ve marked resources for some of these areas for you to study further.
1. Prayer and Bible reading play a very big role in setting and achieving your goals.
You must ask yourself if there is anything in your goals that does not follow God’s Word. If so, your plans will turn into disarray! If you are unsure about your goals, spend time on your knees praying for God’s direction for you and your family. Otherwise you will always miss your mark.
Blessed is the man who walks not in the cousel of the ungodly,
Nor stands in the path of sinners,
Nor sits in the seat of the scornful;
But his delight is in the law of the Lord
And in His law he meditates day & night.
Psalm 1:1-2
2. Education is key in achieving your goals
If your goals require you to have a certain kind of knowledge, make plans in getting the appropriate knowledge and education. Set aside a specific time each day to work towards that education. I usually try to read at least one hour per day to educate myself so I can mentor my children to be great leaders.
Raising-Leaders.com is a good resource for moms who want to continue their own education or provide an education for your kids to become leaders.
3. Many of you desire to quit your job and work at home.
If working at home so you can gain freedom for you and your family is a goal of yours, write it down. Or, maybe you want your teens to have a choice between working for themselves or for someone else. Wherever you sense God leading, write it down! Begin researching how you can set up a family business so you can eventually replace your day job.
Avoid mistakes of Self-Employed Business people
StephenBeck.com
4. Your family should never be left out of your plans.
At the end of this week, write down the goals you have drafted. Share these with your spouse and discuss the pros/cons of each goal. Be sure both parents are in agreement with the goals you have set. If not, go to God and pray for his wisdom. He may want you to submit to your husband’s direction. Continue to pray about the difference, but be sure you are always submitting to your hubby. God will reward you for this.
Steve & I planned our goals for 2012, just last week. This past Monday, we reviewed our goals and how we would start implementing this week.
5. Personal, financial situations also play a major role in achieving your goals.
Have a realistic goal on how much you really want/need to earn. Look at the debt you have accumulated and develop a plan to reduce debt. You also must be able to create plans or stages by which you will be able to reach your earning potential.
6. Goals for Health & Fitness
We live in a society that spends most of its time in front of a screen (TV screen, computer screen, movie screen). We must “make the time” to keep our bodies physically fit. Jot down goals to exercise, eat healthy and enjoy your family through games and play. If you don’t plan for it, it won’t happen.
7. Physically gifted children may be able to achieve sports related goals…
…like playing for the local homeschool basketball team or high school football team. Determining your children’s physical capabilities should be one of your priorities. Sports are a great way for your children to learn character lessons and grow in Christ. But, you must be careful to guard your family time so that sports doesn’t become the highest priority in your family. In other words, don’t forsake family time and family devotions for too many basketball and softball games.
8. Plan for Relaxation
As the saying goes -‘All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy’ is by all means true down to the last the letter. Giving yourself a little pleasure should be included into your plans. Plan this year to get away with your spouse for at least one weekend. Begin planning now…get the grandparents to watch your children.
The above discussion sums up the categories you can use to prepare your goals: Spiritual, Education, Family, Financial, Health-Fitness, Career/Job.
It is best to have some very long-term goals (20+ years), but to start right now, I’d suggest 5 year goals and 1 year goals in each of these areas. Then break these down to 6 month plans then monthly plans, then weekly, then daily.
