I’m in the middle of a coaching program and the focus has been on setting goals for the last quarter of this year and the first quarter of 2017. Goal setting is actually one of my favorite things to do. It keeps me focused on what I need to accomplish. Those larger goals are then broken down into monthly, weekly, sometimes even daily goals.

It’s a wise plan to establish goals for your: family, career, health, finances, and other important facets of life.

Many have heard of S.M.A.R.T. goals: ones that are Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Timely. No goal that doesn’t meet this criteria is easily achieved.

We also need to pray for what we desire, because we are dependent upon God and should show Him that we trust Him to help us.

Another advantage of praying is to discipline ourselves. Many successful writers had to discipline themselves to get up and write every day, even when they didn’t feel like it. Anything worth achieving will require some discipline. That often requires daily prayer.

It’s also a good idea for us to spend time in the Word. There are instances of the Lord directing His servants to set goals and then helping them to achieve them. Think about Abraham’s servant who was sent out to find a bride for Issac. Paul, in his letter to the Philippians, speaks of pressing “toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Phil 3:14, NKJV) We can also read in the Book of Jonah how life changing it can be when God directs His servants and they obey.

Goal setting and prayer truly go hand in hand. Yes, we set the goals and make a plan to achieve them; but it is when we open our hearts to God’s direction that we are most successful.