Goal Setting with Faith
I know you're hearing a lot of talk about setting resolutions, goals and habits this time of year. I also know how overwhelming that can be!
As someone who works in multiple areas of the health-and-wellness space, I'm a big fan of fresh starts whenever you need them – not just at the new year.
Do you know what might be one of the biggest stumbling blocks to pursuing your goals, no matter what time of year it is?
You don't always have a good reason fueling them.
Sometimes we set certain goals because we want to look different or feel different. We might want to read more books this year, or feel more confident in our clothes, or make family mealtimes a priority.
While these can be good things, we're often missing a crucial aspect. Why do we want to do those things?
If our habits aren't focused on God's mission and purposes for our lives, we might just miss the point of improving our lives and health in mind, body and spirit.
So, why do you want to make changes for the better?
If you're looking to be more active, maybe your reason isn't to simply lose weight or look different in a swimsuit. Perhaps it's to take care of the body God has given you, and to be able to do more activities with your family and friends.
If you're wanting to prioritize family time, maybe it's not because your friend's family does it. Perhaps it's because you want to make sure your spouse and kids are doing well, and this is your opportunity to listen to and disciple them.
Let’s try it out!
Take a moment to consider what habits you’d like to implement or leave behind in the new year.
Grab some paper and a pen or pencil, and let’s write them down!
Write down your goal. Now, consider the deeper purpose behind your goal, like in the statements above.
Here are some questions to consider, and maybe even journal about, as you discover the “why” behind your goals:
How does this goal/habit improve my life/health/faith or the lives of those around me?
Am I setting this goal to please other people?
Am I setting this goal because I dislike myself or a personal characteristic/quality?
Does pursuing and achieving this goal honor God?
Write down your new goal with God’s purposes in mind.
Bonus! If you’d like, find some Biblical encouragement for your goals. Look up a verse(s) to guide and encourage you as you work toward your goals this year.
Looking for God's purpose in everything we do can make a big difference in how we care for ourselves, our lives, and others. And, just maybe, it will make our goals easier to pursue and be kinder for our minds.
Are you looking for more guidance as you set goals that matter to you? Check out this free journal from our sister company, Graceful Balance Wellness! It’s filled with thoughtful prompts, encouraging Bible verses, and guided prayers. This journal is designed to help you reflect on God’s faithfulness in the past year and to look forward to the new year with hope and excitement. Download here for free:
