A Date With Self
A Date with Self...
Hi there, and happy New Year!
You’ve made it this far—congratulations to you! If you attended the Butterfly Bayou October 2024 brunch, you should have your 2025 goals ready to go. If you are a visual person, perhaps you had a vision party and have a vision board. These are all great actions to set you up for success.
As I finished a planning session using the Go for Goals planning booklet with a mom recently, she asked me: Is that all? What next?
My answer to her: It’s time for the Making of Champions.
Setting goals is one thing—it’s a great first step. But following through on those goals? That’s where the real work begins.
Did you know that only 6% of people follow through on their goals? This startling statistic begs the question: What holds the other 94% back? Common challenges include a lack of clear planning, distractions, the overwhelming nature of big goals, and a lack of support or accountability. Many people struggle to break their aspirations into manageable steps, while others lose motivation when progress isn’t immediate. Overcoming these hurdles requires intentional strategies—such as setting SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals, building accountability networks, and celebrating small wins along the way. By addressing these obstacles, you can take concrete steps toward joining the determined 6%.
Let’s explore three powerful steps to guide you:
1. How to Align Your Goals with Faith and God’s Purpose
Proverbs 19:21 reminds us, “Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” This verse emphasizes the importance of aligning our aspirations with God’s will. Goals are not rigid regimens; they’re pathways to purpose. Take time to pray, reflect, and seek divine direction for your plans.
For example, when I wanted to align my work life with my family life, I set new goals for my career. I laid my plans and reasons in prayer to God. Then I let my heart find peace in God (this was not easy, but it is exactly what Philippians 4:5-6 calls us to do). It took nine months to see the answer to my prayer. What did I do in those nine months? I found contentment in God's provision for the season. I worked hard at my job as if I didn’t have a new goal. Ultimately, when my prayer was answered, I saw how my job at the time prepared me for the new opportunity.
But that wasn't always my story. The year prior, I was eager to change jobs and frantic about it. God did not open the door. Rather, my heart was sensitized to my lack of contentment. I repented of it, embraced God's blessings upon my life, and faced the new year with a different attitude, trusting it all to God.
2. Goal-Setting Tips to Work Towards Success
Consistent action bridges the gap between dreams and reality. Each step you take, no matter how small, is a testament to your commitment. To make progress:
Consider the story of Sarah, who aspired to write a book. She began by setting a system of writing for just 30 minutes every morning. To hold herself accountable, she joined a writers’ group where members shared their weekly progress. Over time, her daily efforts accumulated into a completed manuscript. Similarly, Kennia wanted to make a career change. Instead of vague resolutions, she started a side hustle, created a structure, and did a gradual transition to making her side hustle her main job. These systems didn’t just keep them on track—they made their goals feel achievable and less overwhelming.
Remember, success is less about a grand leap and more about persistent, intentional steps forward.
3. Monthly Self-Evaluation Tips: Make a Date with Yourself
In the hustle and bustle of life, it’s easy to lose sight of your progress or forget to celebrate your wins. That’s why self-reflection is essential. Your Go for Goals booklet has monthly check-up sections to help you track your progress. Set aside a specific day each month to reconnect with yourself. During this time:
If you do not have a booklet you currently use, consider getting a copy of Go for Goals: Taking Charge of Your Life with Purposeful Planning. More than a planner, this booklet is a personal accountability tool. Write down your reflections and insights to track patterns over time. You could also incorporate enjoyable rituals—perhaps a quiet moment with your favorite drink, a walk in nature, or playing calming music. These touches make the experience both productive and rewarding.
This monthly date is a gift you give yourself—a moment to recalibrate, refocus, and reignite your passion. If you need extra support or monthly accountability, consider hiring a life coach.
Pause and Ponder
This is your one life, and it’s not a dress rehearsal. Picture yourself living as a champion—waking up each day with purpose, tackling challenges with resilience, and celebrating milestones that reflect your growth. Embrace this opportunity to shape your journey. Commit to your vision, take intentional steps, and let each moment propel you closer to the extraordinary life you can achieve. Make it as fulfilling as you want it to be. You hold the pen to write your story, so make this chapter count. By laying your goals before God, committing to consistent action, and making time for self-reflection, you can transform dreams into reality.
Take Action
Get started. Do you need a simple and effective planning tool? Get yourself Go for Goals: Taking Charge of Your Life with Purposeful Planning.
Get clarity. Do you find planning overwhelming or might you benefit from the support of a coach? Schedule time to meet with me here.
Here’s to stepping into the Making of Champions and becoming part of the 6%! Let’s make this year extraordinary.
