What kind of goal setter are you? Are you mostly a wisher (you have a few goals), but you don’t really make any plans to carry out your goals so they are really just wishes? Maybe you are a goal planner, but poor executer (you set some goals, but you are not very good at planning and executing your goals)? Or maybe you are a master goal setter and planner who you have a 1-year plan, a 5-year plan, and a 10-year plan all set?
I would say I am a good goal planner, but I am only mediocre at executing my goals. I can come up with the ideas and I know what I want to do. I can even design a plan to complete the goals, but I’m not good with the follow-through and getting them done. But, I am working on making changes. I can see how setting goals makes a life-changing difference for me and it can for you too.
This year, I have been a better goal setter. I don’t necessarily set long term goals. Many times I set simple goals and tasks to complete each day and if done correctly, these simple tasks will advance me toward my longer-term goals. So instead of just haphazardly working on tasks, I can see how simple steps move me toward my bigger goals.
Have you considered what your life would look like if you set goals and reached the goals you set? Even if you didn’t fully reach your goals, what if you almost made it or completed some of your goals? Would you live in a different location? Would you have a different job? Maybe your goal is to lose weight or eat healthier? How would achieving these goals make a difference in your life? Is it time you stopped having wishes and made these goals a reality?
Why Set Goals?
Goals refine your purpose
As you start to decide what your goals will be, you will realize that setting goals helps you refine your purpose. Your goals will show you what you value most in this season of your life. You will set priorities and make decisions based on the purpose your define for yourself.
Refining your purpose could be a small change in how you view your life but it can make a big difference in how you see the world and how you feel about circumstances and situations in your life.
If you are a mom with small children or elementary age children, some of your goals might be:
- Spend personal time with each child every day
- Help them develop their unique skills and abilities through school and learning
- Help each child develop good character and recognize right and wrong
These goals define your role as a mother. You could develop similar goals for your work, for your relationship with your spouse and your friends.
When we know our true and complete purpose in Christ and we know we doing the work He has planned for us, we will feel fulfilled knowing that we are living a life of purpose.
Goals set your focus
Refining your purpose allows you to set your focus in each area of your life. You can focus on the areas of motherhood you feel are important, you can focus on growing your relationship with God, you can focus on spending more time with your spouse or growing more personal relationships with your girlfriends.
Your focus may also be on your work. Do you work outside the home, but want to be a stay at home/work from home mom? Have you set a goal to build a business that will allow you to accomplish this goal? You must set the goal so you have your focus on achieving this goal.
Setting your goals and giving yourself a focus allows you to decide how to spend your time and gives you permission to spend time on what you value.
Goals allow you to design an action plan
A goal without an action plan is just a wish. When you give your goals action plans, it can be life-changing.
Think of yourself as the architect of your life. How will you design an action plan for the goals you have set? You will no longer feel the need to ask what should I be doing? Your action plan will give you direction for every season of life.
The Smart Focus Method
Are you ready to set goals that work for you? Goal setting should be something we do just in January and then forget in two weeks. Goal setting can be done every month, every week or even every day.
Does this sound like you?
- You set goals, but don’t follow through
- You aren’t focused so things don’t get done
- You have an endless to-do list and don’t know where to start… so you give up and never start
If you are ready for a change and want to achieve your goals, then try the Smart Focus Method. Be productive with the right tasks, not just busy.
The Smart Focus Method will help you:
- Understand what priorities to focus on each day
- Reduce your endless to-do list by defining your priorities & purpose
- Learn how to set the right goals
- Set your goals into action
- Planners and worksheets to help you refine your goals
- And so much more…
The Smart Focus Method is not an overwhelming planning system. Each chapter or lesson can be completed as a daily assignment in 30 minutes or less. The worksheets and planner can be used daily in 5-10 minutes to set your priorities.
Click here to get your copy of The Smart Focus Method and start reaching your goals today.
Mandi says
I love the goals you share as a mom. It definitely gives more purpose to a job that feels like there is no “payment.” Thank you for sharing on planner squad.
Rachel says
Hi Mandi, a mom’s work is a long term goal. We have to stay focused on the current work. Thanks for the encouraging word.
Erin - Suburban Simplicity says
I love setting goals and more importantly, achieving them! But it does take focus. Thanks for sharing this post at Welcome Home Wednesdays!
Rachel says
Hi Erin, setting goals and achieving them is a great feeling, and gives us a reason to try again. I also like to set goals so I have a direction and purpose. Even if I fall short, I am still working toward that goal and purpose.
Michele Morin says
Thanks for yet another highly motivating and encouragingly practical post!
Rachel says
Thank you Michele.
Melanie says
Hey Rachel,
I found your post today on Sitting Among Friends.
Goal setting is such a great and powerful practice, isn’t it!
Your post is good and this book looks wonderful!
And, I love how you have set up the sales and the purchase options (I’ve just published a book and I’m helping some other friends to do the same.)
This is brilliant marketing!
Hope you have a wonderful day today~
Melanie
Rachel says
Hi Melanie, goal setting makes a huge difference in what I accomplish. I am continually refining my goals and resetting my plans to stay on target.