Looking Back – Glancing Forward: Happy New Year!

Image: CC0 Public Domain – Pixabay.com

 

The end of 2015 approaches with rapid speed. This is not a time for regret but for review and sober reflection.

If you failed to achieve some, or all of your goals, don’t be discouraged and don’t despair. Review why this is the case. Was it down to lack of resources? Motivation? Procrastination? Slothfulness?

If applicable, work out what you need to do in order to overcome any self-sabotaging mindset you may have and consider what changes of behaviour you need to adopt, which will assist you in achieving your goals this coming year. If necessary, re-assess those goals. Are they SMART? In other words they should be:

• S = specific: don’t say ‘I want to lose weight’ – have a plan to lose x lbs
• M = measurable: break your goal down into elements that will provide you with concrete evidence of progress. If you are aiming to write a book of 70,000 words within 1 year then divide that figure by 12, so that you know what your monthly target is, in order to achieve that goal
• A = attainable: do you have the talent, time, knowledge or resources to achieve this? If not, can you, or are you willing to juggle your priorities, take evening classes, update/acquire new skills, work extra hours, or do whatever it may require, to put you on the path of achievement?
• R = realistic: It is probably not wise to set a goal ‘to become a millionaire within 6 months’ if you are currently jobless and homeless!
• T = Time-limited: Goals set for ‘some sweet day’ in the future are unlikely to be achieved. Set a specific time-frame or target date – e.g. I will read my entire bible within 1 year.

Perhaps you managed to achieve at least one, or some, or all of your goals last year. If so, congratulations! Give God thanks and celebrate your accomplishments.  Why not inspire others by humbly sharing about your success in the comment box below?

In pursuing your dreams, have you learned any positive behaviours, or picked up any valuable tips that you can take with you into this New Year?

Have you grown as a person? Matured as a Child of God? Gained wisdom from things you did (or failed to do), which you can add to your cache of knowledge, utilise in the future and perhaps pass on to others?

ZIG ZIGLAR, a motivational speaker observes:

What you get by achieving your goals is not as important as what you become by achieving your goals.

Have you recorded your failures and triumphs, so you have a record from which to encourage, motivate and monitor yourself on your ongoing journey towards success… towards pursuing your purpose-driven destiny? Have you thanked those who believed in, encouraged, helped and supported you?

Have you thanked your Heavenly Father for his breath within you that enables you to rise each morning and enjoy (or endure) another day? Have you thanked Jesus for his promise to never leave or forsake you… for his example when he walked on this earth as a purpose-driven achiever and for his continued ministry in heaven on your behalf, as an Advocate and Intercessor? Have you thanked the Holy Spirit for his comfort, counsel, empowerment, guidance and support whilst you sought to discover and execute God’s purpose for your life… whilst you pursued your dreams?

If you are interested in learning more about goal-setting (a great tool for life-management, ministry or business/career/spiritual development) check out the video below:

Finally, Happy New Year dream-achiever! I pray 2016 will be a year of increase for you, a year of peace, joy and God-glorifying accomplishments.

 

 

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