Intentional Goals.

We are about to turn the clock on 2022.

With the anticipation of a new year, it’s not uncommon for us to ask some questions about what might be ahead. Perhaps you can relate to some of the ones below:

Will anything change in 2023?

Will I run that race?

Will I save that money?

Will I travel to that one place?

Will I make a difference?

Will I find the "one?"

Will I write that book?

Will I buy that house?

Will I finally clean out that closet?

Will we have a baby?

Will I start school?

Will I get married?

I venture to think that the next year will be exactly like the next year unless we are intentional.

It is possible to coast and drift. People do this in their lives each and every day. I do this well. But, is that the best option? For years now, I have always taken time towards the end of the year to write down goals, habits, dreams, ideas for the following year. And, sure enough by the time the end of the year follows, I barely did anything I set out to do.

Am I lazy?

Do I not have what it takes?

What is wrong with me?

I had the best intentions.

The best ideas.

The best dreams.

They all fell horribly flat.

Through a series of books, learning, and self-discovery, I have found a few tips that I think helps this process become more successful.

Reflection is very important. It is helpful for our minds to slow down and reflect. It is good to pause and take some inventory on current realities and what has occurred in the previous year. This shouldn't just happen at the end of the year, it should be an ongoing habit that we form. It's in reflection where we call to memory the wins, losses, successes and disappointments. The things we know we ought to do and the things we aspire to know and do. So, all that, to say: Reflection is good for the soul. I have learned that if you are wanting to change something, consider taking this approach.

Write it down. This is obvious, but very important. Writing things down helps us remember. It is also good to place goals and reminders in a helpful place that you can refer back to at any time, like a mirror or on the dash of your car.

Start small. I love when people start the new year and say, “I am going to lose 30 pounds in 2023.” That's a great goal. A great idea. However, let's consider starting with 1 pound, 3 or 5. Taking goals or changes in bite size chunks gives us simple wins along the way that will be an encouragement for us to stay the course.

Share it with others. I have found that when I want to make a change, it helps to tell someone what I am doing. I do this not to brag or flaunt, but for accountability and support. By confiding with a friend or family member what I hope to accomplish, I am placing action to the dream or goal. They will check up on me. They may ask how it's going. They may give me helpful feedback along the way.

Personal example: I have wanted to run a marathon now for 3 years. I have done some halves (13.1 miles) and some smaller races, but I would like to shoot for the 26.2 dread. Ugh! If I take my own advice, I am going to create what I call an action plan for that goal.

It goes something like this:

Goal: Run Marathon in 2023

1. Tell 3 friends about it and invite them to do it with me

2. Find the race by February 1, 2023

3. Find the training plan by February 1, 2023

4. Begin plan February 11, 2023

5. Register and pay by March 1, 2023

6. Run the race June 15, 2023

7. Goal accomplished.

That's it. I have created some action steps with deadlines.

If I do not have goals and an action plan, I am NEVER going to run the race, go to school, clean that closet, or WHATEVER.

Now, let's hear some truth:

But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.” 2 Chronicles 2:15

May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed. Psalm 20:4

Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it? Luke 14:28

What's in your heart for 2023?

As we move into the new year may I encourage you to:

Be intentional.

Start small.

Write it down.

Share it.

Do it.

Happy New Year!