Practical Keys to Move You Closer to Your Big Goals
Vision and goal-setting are topics you hear pretty regularly in the business world. But the Bible actually has a lot to say on the matter too. Proverbs 29:18 says, “Where there is no vision, the people perish.” And yet, sadly, many Christian businesses fail or don’t succeed as much as they could for lack of vision.
In fact, some say they plan their vacations, their weddings or their Christmas parties more than they plan their own lives. This is a huge deal for Christians who want to be in leadership or business. Success of any kind in these two areas hinges on how well you cast vision and set goals.
That’s why I discussed the importance of vision and goals with a small group of Christian business owners recently. I decided I would share on my podcast what we talked about since it has application and meaning for many areas of our lives. (Click here to listen to that episode.)
If you’ve never thought about vision and goal-setting in your personal life, that’s normal. I encourage you to sit down as soon as you have some time and write out what your vision is. What is the overarching goal for your life?
Most people find this exercise very difficult. They may have a vague idea of what they want to do with their life, but they don’t know how to put it into words.
The second question I have for you is one that my late mentor Jamie Buckingham actually asked me years ago. He asked me, “What would you do if you knew you could not fail?” I had a hard time answering that question. But it was absolutely crucial that I went through that process of figuring this question out. It has truly shaped how I’ve led Charisma Media over the years, even up till now.
Another question for you today is: What makes you truly happy, joyful and content?
You know this one, at least to some extent. But sometimes people have a hard time writing it down or verbalizing it concisely. By answering this question, you are basically asking yourself what your fundamental passions are. One of the best ways to start a successful business is finding the intersection between what you really enjoy and what the market needs and is willing to pay for.
I then asked the group, “How do you want your life to look in six months?” Write down one or two major things you want to achieve. Make sure what you write down isn’t too easy and yet is attainable, as well as measurable.
In order to achieve your goals, you have to do several things. First, you need to write them down. This will help you see the goal as realistic and concrete. Be sure you regularly review the goals you write down and update them. Second, tell accountability partners about your goals and ask them to help you stay committed to achieving them. Once you’ve written your goals down, circle the three most important ones and email them to a friend or family member.
Third, you need to do something every single day that will move you closer to accomplishing your goal. It doesn’t have to be huge. It can be a small step. But you must do something to move forward.
For instance, if your goal is to get out of debt by Dec. 31, then one day you could look up an article about getting out of debt. Another day you could gather your bank records and your credit card scores and get an idea for what exactly getting out of debt by that time frame will require. Then the next day, you could figure out exactly how much you can cut out of your spending each month and put it toward paying off your debt.
Get into what the Word of God has to say about this issue. Here are some scriptures I’ve found particularly helpful:
“For I know the plans that I have for you, says the Lord, plans for peace and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope” (Jer. 29:11).
“Man’s goings are of the Lord; how can a man then understand his own way?” (Prov. 20:24).
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths” (Prov. 3:5-6).
“The steps of a man are made firm by the Lord; He delights in his way. Though he falls, he will not be hurled down, for the Lord supports him with His hand” (Ps. 37:23-24).
Your goals don’t have to be related to money. They could be spiritual, relational or professional. As long as you are clear on what your life’s overarching vision is, you can create goals that align with that vision. And each day, you can take one more step toward your goal and into that life vision.
I talk more in depth about vision and goal-setting in my podcast, which you can listen to here. If this article encouraged you, share it with someone who is trying to move forward. Perhaps it can bless them too.
