Setting Yourself Up for Success: Goal Check-in

At the beginning of the year we focused on our vision and goals for the year. Little did we know what the year had in store for us! I’ll be honest and say some of my goals have suffered because of this pandemic. Others have moved full ahead. How about you? Have you done a review of your goals and your progress?

Goals are not a set-it and forget-it thing. They have to be managed and periodically reviewed. We have to tend to our goals if we want to make progress.

It doesn’t work to set goals and then not look at them again until the end of the year. Goals, just like our relationships and faith, are organic, evolving, and ever-growing. If we ignore our goals, they become meaningless words or dreams that never come true.

So what now? What do you do to get your goals back on track?

First you need a plan. Map out action steps to help you reach your goals. Whatever planning system you use, be sure to map out how you are going to reach that goal.

Second, set aside time in your schedule to review your goals and progress on a regular basis. Some goals may change or need to go away entirely due to life changes. Some become more important and should be moved to the top of your to-do list. Focus on the big picture and what you are trying to achieve and it will help you keep sight of what matters.

Finally, track your progress. Keep track in a way that allows you to visually see that you are moving toward an end result and getting closer to achieving your goal. Visualization is such a powerful tool!

So let’s take a few minutes to do a goal check-in right now. And remember, Don’t let an irrelevant or outdated goal prevent you from making progress. Don’t abandon your goals altogether because things have changed and the goal no longer makes sense.

What do you do instead? Purge!

Just like you would purge your closet of clothes that no longer fit, if a goal no longer makes sense update it or delete it! If you get rid of one goal, replace it with a new goal that will keep you moving toward your best life. You’ve got this!

Need a God boost? Say these affirmation scriptures each day. Just add your name where the blank is!

Be careful how you think ( _________ ); your life is shaped by your thoughts. (Prov. 4:23, GNT)

My thoughts will be clear; I ( _________ ) will speak words of wisdom. (Ps. 49:3, GNT)

I ( _________ ) can do all things through him who strengthens me. (Phil. 4:13, ESV)

( _________ ) Don’t worry about anything, but pray about everything. With thankful hearts offer up your prayers and requests to God. Then, because you ( _________ ) belong to Christ Jesus, God will bless you with peace that no one can completely understand. And this peace will control the way you think and feel. (Phil. 4:6–7, CEV)