1. Listen For Direction
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you. Psalm 32:8 ESV
We often have an idea of what we want to accomplish this week, this month or even this year. But, do we sit down and talk to God about it first? God has a plan for each of our lives. Setting goals in accordance with Gods purpose requires us to remain open to what God is saying and the direction He is leading. The first step to setting a goal is not "setting a goal" but rather sitting still and listening for direction.
2. Set Your Goal
I don't run without a goal. 1 Corinthians 9:26a CEV
A goal is a direction for our future and a way to measure our accomplishment. Set a goal and begin to move toward it with passionate progress. Don’t run with scissors and don’t run without a goal.
3. Count the Cost
Don’t begin until you count the cost. For who would begin construction of a building without first calculating the cost to see if there is enough money to finish it? Luke 14:28 NLT
What resources will you need in order to accomplish your goal? Remember to count the cost on all levels. An emotional level, mental level and physical level. Also be aware of the tangible resources you will need as you move toward accomplishment.
4. Don't Give Up
Plans of the persistent surely lead to productivity, but all who are hasty will surely become poor. Proverbs 21:5 ISV
This verse would not have been necessary if accomplishing a goal was easy. If each goal we set out to accomplish was easy there would be no need for persistence. Hang in there and don't give up.
5. Hand It Over
Commit your actions to the Lord, and your plans will succeed. Proverbs 16:3 (NLT)
The word commit literally means to roll. Each day commit, give, or roll the work you are doing over to the Lord. Have a daily conversation with God handing each step you are taking over to Him. The result will be success.
As a final reminder keep in mind that, You can make many plans, but the Lord ’s purpose will prevail. Proverbs 19:21. God is always in control even if you feel like you are not.