If you’re anything like me, goal-setting is a mixed bag. There are a lot of good goal-setting frameworks out there, but they’re also easy to get tired of.
One of the things I’ve done recently to set better goals is write down all of my one year goals and then rank the top 4. Then, I ask myself 4 follow-up questions for each goal. I write this down in a journal (and on my computer for easy reference) so I can access it quickly.
Here are the 4 follow-up questions as well as a few of my own personal goals for the coming year:
1. Why do you want to accomplish this goal?
2. What is the pain you will feel if you don’t accomplish this goal?
3. What is the pleasure you’ll get from accomplishing this goal?
4. How will accomplishing this goal contribute to others?
Now, without any further ado here are some of my goals for the coming year:
#1. Make exercise and healthy eating part of my lifestyle
Why? Ministry is very demanding on every front: spiritually, emotionally, intellectually, and physically. But I am more than my ministry in the same way that you are more than just your job.
To that end, I’ve found that I just don’t have a lot left in the tank at the end of the day. I don’t want to give my loved ones the “leftovers” of my day so I’m really committed to making exercise and healthy eating a part of my lifestyle.
That means I work out to videos four to five days per week. These workouts don’t require expensive gym equipment, and I can do them almost anywhere which is especially great because of the travel we do.
When it comes to food, I’m cutting down on iced tea and upping my fruits and veggies. It may sound simple, but I know the difference it makes in my energy levels! So I’m stickin’ to it!
#2. Make our family an example family.
Why? Because not enough families are winning in life. We have an awesome family and I want to take the time to really foster the relationship between Aua & I and our children.
In a country where minor wives are common and fatherless families abound, I want our family to be one that people can look to and emulate.
Aua already has ‘Daddy dates’ with the kids one night weekly. He spends one on one time with one of our children that night. But now we’re upping our game. We’re starting family night. This will happen Monday nights. Others are welcome to join us, but we’re carving out this time so the kids know – it’s time for our family to spend together growing as a family.
#3. Make our marriage stronger
Why? Life can get busy. If we don’t decide what we’ll focus on, what is urgent will take precedent over what’s important.
I’ve made lots of excuses over the years for not carving out enough time for our marriage. You’ve probably heard some of them: We don’t have a sitter. We’re just so busy. There isn’t enough time. We spend enough time together as it is. And the list goes on.
But 2019 will be different. This may sound like a small goal for you, but it’s actually a big one. In 2019, I will go out for a meal or coffee or a movie (basically a date with Aua) the first Sunday of each month. Now my secret’s out – I’d best go tell Aua!
So, those are some of my goals for the upcoming year. I hope the 4 questions I shared earlier add value to your goal-setting process. On that note, I’d love to hear some of your goals for the coming year.
Question: Do you have any goals for the upcoming year, or a particular method to goal setting? Comment below and let me know.
