In part one we looked at the What, Why and Where of Goals. Today we will take a look at the How.
How do we accomplish our goals? I believe It takes two components in order to see a goal through to a successful completion. The first is Power and the second is a Process.
The Power
The power (will power) to accomplish the goals you have set are critical. If you don’t “want” to accomplish your goals then the best plan will not work. As a believer we have the power of God at our disposal as well. Ephesians 3:20 GW says, “Glory belongs to God, whose power is at work in us. By this power he can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine.”
I can think of at least three traits that give us the power we need to accomplish any goal we have set.
1. Ownership
It’s your goal. You are responsible for the nurturing, care and completion of it. Don’t blame others if you are not being successful.
2. Faith
Set big goals. The bigger the goal the more faith you will need to accomplish it. Keep in mind that “without faith no one can please God.” Hebrews 11:6a CEV.
3. Determination
Determination carries the idea of single mindedness and resolve. It’s the willingness to complete the goal regardless of circumstances.
The Process
There are several ideas when it comes to setting and accomplishing smart goals. In fact, a quick Google search on “SMART Goals” will reveal hundreds of different thoughts, plans, ideas and acrostics on the topic. The bottom line is you need to have a process in order to turn your goal in to reality. Here are three steps to get you going.
Step One: Pick Your Category
Take a look back at How to Accomplish Your Goals Part 1 for a deeper look at categories but as a quick reminder you should identify the life categories you feel are important to you. Some of the areas include, personal, family, spiritual, career, friends and hobbies.
Step Two: Prepare Your Goal
Be specific and make sure your goal is attainable.
Be specific when you write your goal. Part of being specific is making sure it’s measurable and has a time frame attached to it. Also, make sure your goal is attainable. If your goal is to big you will get frustrated. If your goal is to small you will get complacent. Find a good balance and then break it down into bite sized chunks.
Step Three: Plan Your Steps
Steps are part of the process and we must plan our steps in order to achieve our goal. Each step we take will get us closer to accomplishment. Some goals may have two or three steps and others may have seven or eight.
Regardless of how many steps it will take for you to accomplish your goal it is important that you see them. When you see your goal and potential steps it gives you perspective. You can see where you started, where you are going and how far you have come.
Example of The Three Steps
You can download the following example along with a practice worksheet here.
Step One: Pick Your Category
Family
Step Two: Prepare Your Goal
To Live a Balanced Life With My Family This Year
Step Three: Plan Your Steps
1. Identify 3 other people struggling with work-life balance.
2. Ask them to be in an accountability group.
3. Meet with group weekly for three months.
4. Purchase and read one book on work life balance.
5. Create a family calendar with vacation times and family days.
6. Attend a conference or workshop on balanced living.
7. Schedule a one hour block time each week to stop and reflect.
8. Evaluate success with my family in six months.
What is the biggest goal you have set for yourself this year?
Photo Credit: shutterstock.com Image ID: 42547162 Copyright: Eugene Sergeev