A GOAL IS A SPECIFIC, MEASURABLE, ATTAINABLE RELEVANT ASPIRATION IN A SPECIFIC PERIOD OF YOUR LIFE.

Scripture Memorization

“May He grant you according to your heart’s desire, and fulfill all your purpose.” Psalm 20:4

The Study

It is true that God is faithful to grant our heart’s desire. But we have a responsibility to do our part.

The Brain Research Institute reported that people’s number one desire  is to be happy. It is a mindset to be happy. Happiness is a choice.  Happiness is experienced everyday by those who choose to live at a higher level; a level of Excellence. Why? Because individuals pursuing excellence are actively committed to excelling and living intentionally every day. They set goals that lead to fulfilling their dreams.

The pursuit of excellence just like any worthy pursuit takes practice to be proficient and requires sacrifice.  Anything  that is worthy of your time; I can guarantee , there will be sacrifice. When you have made the decision to choose the high life, you are choosing to give  up the low life. My description of low life is “spending like there is no tomorrow, partying like there is no tomorrow, eating like there is no tomorrow and playing like there is no tomorrow.” It’s making choices with the sole purpose of satisfying spur of moment whims to achieve instant gratification without considering any consequence. It’s happiness short-lived. This defines ‘low life’.

The harsh reality is that your happiness is all up to You! It is not the responsibility of your family or friends. Or maybe… you carry the responsibility but have the attitude that you will postpone your happiness until.. “when I get a bigger house or when I get married or have children, or get out of debt. Then I will be happy.”  STOP!  I  encourage you to please not delay your happiness! Life is too short. The psalmist said “This is the day that the Lord has made I will rejoice and be glad in it” . 

Let’s identify the issues of the heart that hinders happiness.

Emotional brokeness includes issues of anger, anxiety, disgust, fear, unforgiveness, loneliess, insecurity and sadness, to name a few. Emotional brokeness can come from within you or be a reaction to your environment. Emotional changes can be normal, temporary responses to events; however, disproportion heart issues need your attention. Here is an opportunity for you to set goals pertaining to the issues of your heart and to emotional health. Set goals that will allow happiness to flourish in your daily routine.

GOAL ACQUISTION

How does a person accomplish a goal?

1. Look at it.

The best way to achieve any goal is to have a written plan. A goal that isn’t written down is just a dream. Here are five reasons why you commit your goal to paper.

*It will force you to clarify what you want.

*It will motivate you to take action.

*It will provide a filter for other opportunities.

*It will help you overcome resistance.

*It will enable you to see and celebrate your progress.

2. Tell people.

Telling everyone you know develops instant accountability.

3. Break it up.

Take measured steps. Long term goals of 10-20 years can be broken down into short term goals of 1-5 years and the objectives can be written out to become attainable daily acheivements.

4. Be realistic.

A good goal will take you out of your comfort zone, but it must be attainable. Do not set yourself up for failure.

5. Set a date.

A goal must be measureable and have a finish date.

6. Find an accountability partner.

 You must have accountability. The accountable partner is being assigned responsibility for something you are supposed to do. Find someone who is willing to hold you responsible and is bold enough to ask you tough questions. This person will also be your best cheerleader.

7. Be committed.

Longfellow quote, “Success is doing what you can do well and doing well whatever you do.”

You can choose to set goals and realize your potential. Or you can choose not to set them. Life’s purpose and fulfillment doesn’t happen by accident.  The reality of not choosing to set goals is that the consequences more than likely are not going to be good down the road. Fulfilling the desires of the heart and fulfilling your dreams  happen when we are willing to write them down and make a plan.

Lets get started.

*Write the goal plainly.

*Engage in a personal assessment which will determine where your current status is in relation to your goal.  

*Write the objectives; the action plan.

*Develop a time frame. 

*Write down the benefits to you as a result of accomplishing these goals.

Complete p70 in Excellence with Simple Elegance companion workbook, The Study. 

Both books can be purchased easily by copying &  pasting this website to your browser. Purchase The Study (workbook) for $8.99 and Excellence with Simple Elegance will be Free. 

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Women of faith, you will only rise to your full potential when you set goals and take action to achieve them. Have you ever baked southern biscuits? It is so disappointing when you take them out of the oven and they did not rise. They were made to rise. Those biscuits baked in the squat position. Many women wait for a perfect time to begin goalsetting. After the children are grown, when they have more money, when the weather improves, when the economy improves and after vacation…see those who wait get baked in the squat position. They are waiting for changes out there before they do the changes within themselves. God has made you to rise. Don’t wait! The rule is simple. ‘Do it now’.

Be confident that you can accomplish these goals. Scriptures says in Philippians 4:13 that we can do everything through Christ, who gives us the strength. 

Promise

“Riches and well-being are in his house. And his right-standing with God will last forever.”

Blessing

“May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace.”