New Year Goal-Setting

Happy 2011 everyone! I don’t know how you feel this time of year, but I get very reflective. First, I think about how this past year went. What did I do well? What did I do badly? Then, my thoughts turn to this year. How would I like to improve? What can I do better? What goals do I want to set for this year? In life, it is important to take time to examine yourself and to see how improvements can be made. I think it is important to spend some significant time evaluating your life and setting goals at least once a year. Of course, you don’t have to set goals around the New Year, but it does provide a natural atmosphere for reflection and goal-setting.

These are my suggestions for goal-setting. Carve out some time alone and make goals in the following areas of your life below. You may think of more areas that I have not included here. I have provided examples next to each category.

1. Spiritually— “I will fast once a month”
2. Mentally— “I will read a book on parenting”
3. Socially—“I will invite someone over once a week”
4. Physically—“I will walk/run 4 times a week”
5. Financially—“I will make a good budget and stick to it”
6. Family—“I will carve out a date night each week with my wife”
7. Church—“I will serve with my gift of teaching”

You will have many goals under each category but don’t overdo it. Don’t overwhelm yourself with too much but take it to God and he will help guide you. Set these goals in an atmosphere of prayer and humility. When you are done, write them out or print them out and post it somewhere you will see it often. You have to always keep your goals before you if you intend to keep them. This list is just a good starting place for setting goals for your life and for 2011. Let us approach his throne as we think about glorifying him with our goals. I would like to end with a poem.

He came to my desk, with a quivering lip
The lesson was done.
Have you a new leaf for me, teacher.
I have spoiled this one
I took his leaf, all soiled and blotted
And gave him a new one, all unspotted.
Then into his stirred heart I smiled
“Do better now my child.”

I went to the throne with a trembling heart
The year was done.
Have you a new year for me, Father
I have spoiled this one.
He took my year, all soiled and blotted
And gave me a new one, all unspotted
And into my tired heart He smiled,
“Do better now, my child.”