And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it ~ Habakkuk 2:2.
Introduction
This old year is fast winding to a close, and we are now in its dying hours. Naturally, every ending provokes opportunities for new beginnings. Thus, the time is now for us to set our paths straight for new doings from God (Isaiah 43:19).
Particularly, it behoves us to be adequately prepared and fully determined, so that the new year will meet us well-positioned to enjoy the bountiful harvests of God’s supernatural goodness.
Over the ages, it has been the normal practice at this time of the year for many people to set new year resolutions in the hopes of better achievements in the new year. Certainly, this is a good elementary precursor for goal-setting.
The sober fact, however, is that many people who make resolutions tend to relent in pursuing them very early in the year. Albeit, those who tenaciously stick to their resolutions tend to charge ahead better than those who don't.
More importantly, if you want to succeed in life, you need to set goals. Where you are now is not as important as the goals you set for your future.
Goal setting not only allows you to take control of your life's direction, it also provides you with focus and a benchmark for determining whether you are actually succeeding or not.
Unfortunately, there are many people who just drift through life without any goals at all. Perhaps, they don't know what they want out of life. Year-in-year-out, they just go with the flow and tide of life, and they eventually settle with whatever life hands out to them.
Such people are like the bud of a flower that never blossoms. They live in a state of constant stress and struggle because they lack the requisite wisdom to set goals and go for them with dedication and determination.
Some of them are, in fact, very intelligent with university degrees, and are superbly endowed with rare qualities that ought to help them stand out in life, but they don't. Why? Just like the old English adage says: “lf you aim at nothing, you'll be dead on target”.
Sad still, among them are even born again Christians, who, in spite of their lofty spiritual status, are pushed about by the prevailing circumstances, with no particular focus. They can’t be the best they could be, until they change.
Meanwhile, there is a relatively small group of people who are goal-getters! These are world-changers who are very clearly convinced about what they want in life, and will stop at nothing until they get it.
Any fool can set goals: “if wishes were horses, even beggars would ride”. Contrariwise, it takes a dedicated mind, full of God’s wisdom, to achieve the desired goals set.
From God’s ways and antecedents, we can posit that He’s a God of firm purpose and order (Isaiah 46:9-10). He calculates and makes plans (Jeremiah 29:10-11). He even sets definite times for specific operations (Genesis 18:10; 2Kings 7:2).
Similarly, His children are not called or elected for mere busy-ness, but for a resourceful and an impactful life. Goal-getting is a blessing from God, and it is our wisdom to aspire for grace to become celebrated goal-getters in our generation.
Wisdom for Determined Goal-Getters
A goal is a purpose towards which an endeavor is directed. It calls for a focused pursuit, not a shadow-boxing exercise. Your goal is the consummate end of your particular expectations (Proverbs 23:18).
Basically, to accomplish your goals, you need to set them right. You can't simply say, "I want so and so" and expect it just to happen. Good goal setting starts with careful considerations of what you want to achieve within the stipulated time.
Nevertheless, in-between goal-setting and goal-getting are some essential steps that will lead you to a systemic success, and thereafter pull you to the platform of the celebrated goal-getters.
Firstly, you must set goals that motivate you. Your goals should be geared towards things that are important to your destiny. They must be well crafted and properly arranged, derivative of your mission on earth.
If you have no interest in the outcome of your set goal, or it’s irrelevant to the larger picture of your life, then the chances of you putting in the work to make them happen are slim.
For instance, normal Christians generally set goals along the line of things that have eternal value. Souls matter to them more than any earthly acquisition. Hence, they’re the people with the biggest relevance index in God's kingdom.
Yes indeed, pleasing God and soul-winning should strike our top priorities (Mark 8:36-37). Whenever you're setting your goals, you must get these priorities right, under the banner of the Holy Spirit.
Secondly, to be acclaimed as a celebrated goal-getter, you need to be “SMART” with your goals. For the avoidance of doubt, as it’s taught in many business schools globally, the word, “SMART”, is an acronym for: specific — measurable — achievable/attainable — relevant — timebound.
For your goal to be “specific”, it must be very clear and definite, not general or bland. Vague goals are not always achievable because they don't provide sufficient direction, neither do they draw the required passion.
“Measurable” goals are well spelt out in such ways that one can easily know when they are achieved. They entail precise quantities and qualities, so you can also measure your degree of success.
Your goals must be “achievable/attainable”. If you set goals that you have no hope of achieving, you will only become demoralized in the long run.
Meanwhile, achievable goals must equally be “relevant” to your life's priorities and directions. This will give you the focus needed to get ahead. lf your goals aren’t relevant to your life's priorities, they’re simply worthless.
Your goals must also be “time-bound”, with deadlines. “By-and-by” doesn't cut it. When you are working on a deadline, your sense of urgency increases, and achievement will certainly come much quicker.
Thirdly, you need to put your goals into writing if you hope to accomplish them (Habakkuk 2:2). Writing makes an exact man, and the art of writing down your goals makes them real and tangible.
However, as you write, use the word "will or shall" instead of "would like to or "might". There's a huge difference between "l hope to be", and "I shall be". The first statement is passive, and lacks passion; the second comes with passion and power.
Furthermore, write your goals with a clear action-plan. Don’t get so focused on the outcome that you forget to plan all of the steps that are needed along the way. And, very importantly, stick to your goals without wavering (James 1:6).
Friends and brethren, set great goals for your future, right now. Procrastination is the name of the road that leads to the city called “Never”. Until you change, nothing changes for the better!
It’s great and highly enthusing to be a goal-getter under God. No matter how learned or spiritual, whoever is not a goal-getter will not like what he will get sooner or later. Nullify every form of excuses for failure and derailment.
Learn quickly. Take necessary steps, create momentum and then improve as you go. Constantly remind yourself that the key to total success is consistency. That’s how excellence is provoked!
Achieving your goals requires well-defined commitment! To maximize the likelihood of success, feel a sense of urgency, and have an "I must do this"attitude. Be determined, focused and creative.
Above all, strive to emulate Jesus Christ in His earthly walk (Luke 9:51). He steadfastly set His face like a flint towards His goal, and He squarely finished His assignment (Isaiah 50:7).
Be fully persuaded that this new year will be better than the preceding ones, with heavy harvests of supernatural goodness. Choose to make progress by covenant. You won’t miss it! Happy Sunday & Happy New Year in advance, in Jesus name!
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Bishop Taiwo Akinola,
Rhema Christian Church,
Otta, Ogun State, Nigeria.
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