The holidays are my favorite time of the year. It’s the time where we prioritize spending time with our families while also celebrating the birth of our savior.
However, I love this time of year because it signifies the end of a 365 cycle and that a new cycle is soon to begin. Here is where the most ambitious individuals reflect on the previous twelve months and start planning for the next year to come. Some decide to make a radical change in their lives, each scenario requiring goal setting. I’ve learned that a goal properly set is already half met, and developing a plan is not easy.
On average, it takes me about 8 hoursto set my goals for the quarter. For a total of 32-40 hours per year. While we are all familiar with the S.M.A.R.T (Specific, Measureable, Attainable, Relevant, Timely) goal technique, I’ve learned that faith is also essential in the
goal-setting process.
I want to share this F.A.I.T.H. concept to use in addition to your S.M.A.R.T. goals to assist you in accomplishing all that you set out to do in this coming year.
S.M.A.R.T. GOALS by F.A.I.T.H.
Proverbs 16:3 “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.”
God-Goals produce God-Babies. We give birth to these things because we have aligned with God’s Word. These are goals we accomplish on His timing. These accomplishments orchestrate a series of events that lead us down God’s path to success. Success is achieved when our purpose, mission, vision, and goals fall into alignment with one another. F.A.I.T.H. goals produce growth in our relationship with God,in our faith, and in all areas of our lives.
God Babies are evidence of things hoped for. A strong Faith starts as a personal hope and grows into an intense knowing that can not be shaken. Next, it’s knowing that God will do what he said He would do. Finally, it becomes an undeniable truth. When we have this type of faith, we step out of the boat to walk on water. Let’s look at how we can break down our goals using the F.A.I.T.H. goals process:
ASK YOURSELF:
F: FOCUS:
What am I focused on? What thoughts are at the forefront of my mind daily? KEEP YOUR MIND ON GOD’S PROMISES AND MEDITATE ON THEM DAILY. Whatever you give attention to is what grows in your life.
A: ALIGNMENT:
Am I in sync with my purpose and mission? Am I on course to manifest God’s vision for my life? Am I lining up with God’s Word and plan for my life? Your mission statement and vision act as your spiritual compass to ensure that you stay on track to fulfilling God’s purpose for your life. You must actively SPEAK LIFE INTO YOUR SITUATION daily to keep God’s Word at the forefront of your mind.
I: INTENTION:
Am I walking with intention? Are my everyday decisions made with my goals in
mind? Am I putting energy toward the things that will produce fruit and bring me closer to my goals and purpose? Will this accomplishment bring glory to the Kingdom of God? Am I consciously working toward my goals? When we set out to do what God has called us to do, we walk in authority and experience authentic power. We become the expression of our higher self when we live with intention.
T: TRUST: DO I TRUST IN GOD?
Do I Believe All Things Are Working For My Good? Do I Believe All Of My Dreams Will Come To Pass In His Timing? When we trust God, God trusts us. Therefore,
instead of complaining about your problems, invite God and His power into your situation by speaking God’s promises over your life. Everything will be added to us as long as we seek the Kingdom first. God is going to do just what he said he would do. He will fulfill every promise.
H: HUMILITY:
What is the condition of my heart? Why am I doing what I’m doing? Have I truly surrendered to God’s will? What are you trying to accomplish, and why? Is it to show others that you are successful? Are you trying to prove something? We never want to be in a position of demanding that things work out or that all our goals are accomplished exactly as we say.
While we serve a God that operates in systems and strategies (goals), Michael Todd said it best, but He is still sovereign. The Lord’s will should always trump our plans and desires. We need to be sure our attitude is one of humility. God is our present help and our strength. We must allow the Holy Spirit to be our guide.
