Goal Setting

“Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it.”
Habakkuk 2:2

The biggest difference between those who dream and those who achieve is a very basic habit: writing down one’s goals. Studies have shown that those who write down their goals are fifty times more likely to achieve them as those who do not write them out.

Goals give us a specific destination to focus our actions and energies. Written goals help you communicate better to others, as well as yourself, your plans for the future. Just like Habakkuk 2:2 tells us, writing our vision (goals) down will make them plain and clarify them and keep you focused, so that you’re always moving in the right direction – the direction of your dreams!

I.  Write out at least 10 goals that you would like to accomplish within the next few months, next year, next 5 years, etc. When writing out your goals, make sure that they:

  • Always align with your priorities
  • Include various areas of your life: spiritual, personal, physical, financial, etc.


II.  With each of your goals, make sure they are S.M.A.R.T.

S – SPECIFIC  A specific goal has a much greater chance of being accomplished than a general one. Be specific.

M – MEASURABLE  A measurable goal has weekly or monthly steps that you follow towards achieving your desire.

A – ATTAINABLE  An attainable goal is one that is wisely planned out, with steps you need to achieve the goal you’ve set for yourself.

R – REALISTIC  A realistic goal is one that may be out of reach at present, but is not out of sight. Set goals for yourself that are a challenge, but not completely unreasonable.

T – TIME SENSITIVE  A time sensitive goal is one with a deadline. Set a date for when you want to fully accomplish your goal. Some goals may be accomplished in one month or six months, whereas other goals require more time such as 1-year, 5-year, and 10-year goals.

(Note: To see an example of a S.M.A.R.T. goal broken down in the area of weight loss, click here.)


III.  After writing out at least 10 goals and making sure each goal is a S.M.A.R.T. goal, the next step is to look over all of them and determine which goal is your Push Goal.

Chalene Johnson defines a Push Goal as the “one goal which, once achieved, would make possible or ‘push through’ the other goals.” The Push Goal is not necessarily the most important one, but the one that makes all the other ones possible. It is usually a financial goal, because, let’s face it, with more money you can accomplish many of your goals! This Push Goal will be the one you focus on the most.

Do what you have to do, learn what you need to learn, acquire the skills you need to reach your Push Goal, and consequently, all your other goals. There will be hard work required, but if you persist, you will achieve your goals and live the life you’ve dreamed of!

Next…Scriptures to Help You Fulfill Your God-Given Purpose