So, you set a goal! Yay you! *digital high five*

Now what?

Setting the goal is the exciting part. But without a plan to get there, that excitement soon turns into, “Remember that one time I signed up to run a marathon but then only went on one run?”

Here are some of the things I’ve learned through many failed goal experiments that will help you create a plan for success:

1. Make Sure Your Goal is Realistic

You might have the best intentions with your ambitious goal, but if it’s not realistic, you’re setting yourself up for failure. Sit down and plan out your goal while factoring in the realities of everyday life.

For example: It’s unrealistic for me to decide to save $100,000 a year, because I don’t make $100,000 a year. But if I sit down with my budget, I can find an extra $100 a month to save by cutting down on eating out and entertainment.

2. Break it into Bite-Sized Chunks

It’s fantastic to have a goal for what you want life to look like in 12 months. But without setting short-term goals, you’ll find it harder to stay on track. Plus, celebrating your small goals will keep you motivated to keep going.

If I want to lose 30 pounds, I don’t put a timeline on those 30 pounds. I put a timeline on the first 5 pounds. Can I do it in a month? And then if that first month goes horribly wrong, I can adjust without throwing the overall goal out the window. Maybe 3 pounds is more realistic for now.

3. Create Obstacles

I like to call this step “planning for lazy Bekah.” When I’m truly motivated, I’m able to get SO MUCH DONE. But, like most people, I have plenty of days where I don’t feel like doing anything.

So when I’m setting goals, I put obstacles in place for when my motivation dies down. When I’m trying to journal more, I’ll put it right on top of the TV remote. When I know I should get more steps in, I’ll put my tennis shoes on top of my slippers. Can I still reach around the obstacles and choose to be lazy? Of course. But it makes me pause to think about what I really should be doing in that moment.

4. Use Technology

There’s something about a robot telling me what to do that keeps me motivated. Should that scare me? Possibly.

I use my phone reminders to help keep me on track. For example: “Hey, Siri, remind me to read my Bible at 2 pm.” Or “Alexa, play WAY-FM.” Plus, did you know that you can even set up your smart speaker with routines to automatically start playing Christian music at certain times of day?

The beautiful thing about living in THIS version of the roaring 20’s is that there are endless resources online. You can find free budget apps, free workout programs, and free reading programs like our World’s Biggest Small Groups.

5. Start Over

Life happens. Last year, my husband spent more time in the hospital than he spent at home.

Your life may have more curveballs than goal-setting opportunities. It’s hard. I get it. But don’t get discouraged. Sometimes the healthiest thing you can do is throw the plan out the window and start again.

“Commit your actions to the Lord, and your plans will succeed.” Proverbs 16:3 (NLT)

Easy Action Steps:

Make a quick plan for each goal.
Ask yourself if the plan is realistic.
If it isn’t, cut the goal in half, then make a plan for each goal.

What’s Coming Next:

We’ll help you fight to make your goal a reality.