One of Mark Twain’s most famous quotes says:
“I can teach anybody how to get what they want out of life. The problem is that I can’t find anybody who can tell me what they want.”
There’s some truth in that.
If you are not clear on what you really want, it will be very difficult to live the purposeful, joy-filled, and fulfilling life you want.
That means, you will have to get clear on a vision for your life and then set your goals based on that vision.
Unfortunately, people often make goals without having real clarity around the vision they want for their life.
That’s a problem.
Setting goals without a clear vision often leads to frustration and disappointment. Goals get lost in the chaos of everyday life, and you end up feeling like you’re spinning your wheels without making real progress.
But there’s a better way.
Let’s explore how you can transform your goal setting process to achieve clarity and fulfillment in your life.
Step 1: Get Really Clear on Your Vision for Your Life
The first and most crucial step in setting meaningful goals is to get crystal clear on your vision for your life. This clarity doesn’t come from things outside of you or the desires of others; it comes from a deep, personal connection with God’s will for you and your life. Take time to pray and ask the Lord to reveal His plans for your life. Be still, listen, and trust that He will guide you.
Ask yourself what you truly want. This isn’t about what you think you should want or what others expect from you. This is about the desires God has placed in your heart. Write down everything that comes to mind. Remember Habakkuk 2:2, says to write down our vision so that you can take action on it: “Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so he may run who reads it.”
Step 2: Evaluate Every Area of Your Life
To create your vision, you need to examine every area of your life. My 7 Pillars of Purposeful Living can help you with this process. These pillars spotlight seven key areas of your life, helping you to identify where you need to focus your efforts to bring your vision to fruition. You can download a free copy of the 7 Pillars of Purposeful Living at herrichlife.com/pillars.
As you evaluate each area, pray about what you need to focus on to make your vision a reality. Some of your goals will be short-term, you can reach them within a year, while others may be long-term, requiring more time and persistence. Both types are important, and it’s okay to have a mix of short-term and long-term goals.
Here are some additional strategies to help you evaluate each area of your life:
- Identify Core Values: What are your core values? Reflect on them and how they align with your vision. Your goals should be a reflection of your core values. That is how you will live a life that is in integrity and purpose.
- Set Priorities: Determine which areas of your life need the most attention. Each area is important. However, you may not want to try to change everything at one time. So, prioritize your goals and give more time and resources to the ones that are your primary focus right now.
- Create a Vision Board: Visualize your goals by creating a vision board. I am a big fan of vision boards. They are a powerful tool to keep you motivated and focused on your vision. Include images, quotes, and symbols that represent your goals and aspirations. And once you make yours, don’t stash it away in a closet – keep it somewhere that you will see it every day. For example, take a picture of your vision board and make it your tablet, cell phone, or desktop background/screen saver.
Step 3: Every 90 Days, Review How You are Doing with Your Goals
Once you’ve set your goals, it’s important to review them regularly. Every 90 days, take time to reflect on your progress. Have you achieved any of your goals? Do you need to change any of your goals? Are there any that you no longer want? It’s perfectly okay to change course if a goal no longer aligns with your vision or if God is leading you in a new direction.
This 90-day review helps you stay aligned with your vision and ensures that your goals remain relevant and achievable. It also helps you to celebrate your successes and learn from any setbacks you might have. This is how you can cultivate a growth mindset and a spirit of perseverance.
To help make your reviews more effective, try using these strategies:
- Use a Goal-Tracking System: Whether it’s a journal, an app, or a spreadsheet, having a system to track your goals can help you stay organized and focused.
- Set Milestones: Break down your long-term goals into smaller, manageable milestones. This makes it easier to track your progress and stay motivated.
- Ask for Feedback: Share your goals and progress with a trusted friend, mentor, or coach. Wise counsel can help you stay or track or change focus when necessary. Their feedback can provide important insights and encouragement.
Why Vision Matters
Your vision is the foundation for setting meaningful goals.
Without a clear vision, goal setting can feel like a frustrating and overwhelming process. But with a vision rooted in God’s will for your life, you have a roadmap that leads to more fulfillment and living a purpose-aligned life.
Conclusion
Transforming your goal-setting process begins with a clear vision. By seeking God’s will, evaluating every area of your life, and regularly reviewing and adjusting your goals, you will be able to live the life you really want. Because when you get clear about your vision, setting and reaching your goals will become a whole lot easier.
With a clear vision and faith in God , you can achieve the dreams God has placed in your heart.
Remember to be patient with yourself and open to the lessons that come along the way. Each step, no matter how small, brings you closer to the fulfillment of your God-given potential. Embrace the process, trust in God’s timing, and celebrate every milestone. Your vision, aligned with divine purpose, will guide you to a life of meaning, impact, and joy.
By using these strategies, you will discover that the missing piece to living the life you really want is not something to be found outside of yourself. It’s a combination of vision, purposeful goal setting, accountability, and a growth mindset. With these elements in place, you can turn your desires into reality and live a life that really reflects your values, passions, and God-given purpose, calling, and assignment.
