There is a Proverb that says, “we can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps” – Proverbs 16:9 NLT
I think this is a good point to start a discussion about having goals. I have always been a believer in goal setting and have set goals my whole life. Everything from which girl to date, what car to drive, personal achievements in sports, academics, family and financial goals. Early in my goal setting experiences, my goals were written down and reviewed periodically. They included measured progress and a clear plan of how to get from my starting point to the goal line. As time has gone on, I have continued to set goals but now I use electronic means to track them with spread sheets and comparisons. Some things have changed but some things will never change. Goal setting is important to have a direction for your life purposes.
As we grow in experiences and knowledge, how we think about goals and goal setting should also be a constant evolution. We can set goals that more and more carefully fit into our lifestyle choices. A goal properly set will include a mental picture of what it will feel like when you have achieved it. How you will know you have completed it. Will you be living in the home of your dreams; driving the car; surrounded by friends and family or sharing it with a special someone? What will it look like, smell like, and who will you bring along with you on your journey. The emotional aspect of achieving the goal will give you motivation and power behind your “why”. Why you want to achieve it.
The goal may have a plan attached to it, but while plans and steps to achieve you goal will change, the goal decision should not change unless you find it is no longer a worthwhile goal.
PLANS CHANGE BUT GOALS REMAIN
When a ship leaves port it has a direction and a goal. Along the way currents of the seas, shifting winds and sometimes obstructions will cause a change in steering direction. A change in heading or course steered doesn’t change the goal of when and where you shall arrive. The change in steps, or course settings are a reflection of the recognition that change will happen. Outside forces will impact the ship, and the course will need to be adjusted to overcome the effect of these outside forces.
Like the ship, when you make a decision to arrive at a goal and set a time and state of being that will in fact be your goal, it becomes your focal point. There will be changes to you personally, your environment, the tools you have available and other influences to make you adjust your steps and intermediate course settings. In the achieving process, have the humility to recognize that God may have a better way to achieve your goal and keep your eyes open for changes or opportunities for a better course selection.
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