Make A Difference, Work For Your Goals

“I am so thoroughly convinced that if we don’t set goals… and learn how to master the technique of living to reach our goals, we can reach a ripe old age and look back on our life only to see that we reached but a small part of our full potential. When you learn to master the principle of setting a goal, you will then be able to make a great difference in the results you attain.” –M. Russell Ballard



Have you set any goals yet this year?  Goal setting doesn't have to start at the beginning of the year.  As a matter of fact, it's best to set goals all year long.  A new year just reminds us of new beginnings, so it is a great time to set some goals.  

The way I am setting goals right now is month by month, broken down by the week.  Yes, I have long term goals, but I am focusing more on the short term, to achieve small steps of success in a shorter time.  When I look back in a few months, I hope to see many goals reached.  

I sat down last night and wrote out fitness, health, home, and personal goals.  I need to write out my goals on what I want to achieve in my faith life, my marriage, and occupationally.  I am sure I will come up with other areas, as well, but those are my main areas right now.  What are some areas you are focusing on?

I am writing my goals on 4 x 6 cards.  A couple of them focus on fitness.  I wrote out what I did at the gym yesterday...how long and how many strides on the elliptical, how many weighted crunches I did, the amount of weights I lifted and the number of reps, and how long I punched the punching bag.  I took those numbers and wrote out what I want to achieve within a week, then I wrote out what I want to achieve by the end of the month.  I kept my goals realistic, but not easy, because growth shouldn't be easy.  I took these same principles and applied them to what I want to achieve in my goals personally, in my home, and in improving my health.  

It's not difficult, it just requires taking the first step and writing down your goals, whether in a notebook, on cards, in your computer, or phone.  It is important to write them down and have them in a spot that is visible to keep them in front of you.  Goals require action, and follow through.  They  require effort, but the effort is so worth it.  

One way to write out your goals is to use the SMART acronym.  Are your goals:

S = Specific

M = Measurable

A = Attainable

R = Realistic

T = Timely

Will you join me in setting some smart goals this year, this month, this week?  Don't just go through your life, live out your purpose and live passionately.  Don't waste the precious gift of each new day that you are given.   You have a great potential to make a difference in this world, so start today!  You won't regret living out each moment of your life to the fullest.