Sunday, May 29, 2016

Goals 201

Identifying resources is the key to help us reach our goals.  Without resources, our goals could remain just dreams or ideas in our minds.  We would talk about our goals, possibly for years, without accomplishing them, and we would blame it on lack of time, resources, money, whatever.  We need to identify resources in order to understand and recognize that they are within our reach!

What are the possible resources you need to make your dreams and ideas become a reality?  It depends, of course, on the goal!  It is a very personal decision, but I believe the most important resource to reach any goal is our attitude or mindset.  We cannot accomplish our goals if we don't believe we can do it.  We will give up at the first challenge, and we'll rationalize it by using the old familiar excuses.  So, the middle column of your three-column goal sheet (see "Goals 101") should include "growth mindset" or "positive attitude" next to each goal.  It will remind you to evaluate your mindset to see if you need an adjustment in order to achieve success.

Another resource is a strategy, a plan.  This type of resource may be developed as you move along your path toward the goal.  A methodical plan or approach will help you to manage the steps you need to take and it will make the goal achievable.  I believe that executing a plan is the antidote to discouragement and defeat!  (This is also a great problem-solving technique.)

Another resource for your goal list is to talk with people who have accomplished a similar goal.  Seek opportunities to meet with experts.  It's amazing what you can learn from someone over coffee or lunch!

Tangible resources (e.g., money) may also be needed to help you achieve your goal, so you may need to plan a budget or begin a savings plan targeted for the specific goal.

If your list of resources for a particular goal gets out of hand, you may need to whittle it down to a manageable level by identifying the essential and eliminating the non-essential resources.  (This is another great problem-solving technique!)

Last week, I learned about an essential resource for my book projects.  I had lunch with a friend who is a writer and I explained to her that I was facing the challenge of pulling together the purpose or theme for one of the books I am writing.  She suggested that I create a Vision Board.  What a great tool!  She has used this tool and she assured me that the purpose or theme will come together as I move forward.  As she encouraged me, I felt my mindset change from "it seems impossible" to "look at the possibilities!"  I am so happy and grateful that she shared this idea with me.  I bought poster boards and a package of markers, and I am ready to begin another step in my goal journey!  I believe that the Vision Board will help me to get my thoughts organized into a big picture.  It will inspire me to come up with more ideas and help me to establish the theme that I am seeking.  Maybe this type of tool could be used for other goals, too!

Pursuing goals is a journey!  As a goal-setter, you should never say, "it's impossible."  Instead, ask yourself, "what resources do I need in order to turn it into a possibility?"

Devotion

Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.  For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.  Matthew 7:7-8

Prayer:

Lord, thank you for the people you place in our paths to teach us things we need to know.  Thank you for the mentors and friends who care about us and who are willing to share their experiences to help us to grow and learn.  Help us to keep an open mind and see the possibilities!  We ask you to provide the resources we need to help us in our journeys.  Help us to be persistent as we seek to discover and accomplish your will for our lives.  As we move forward, we will keep our eyes and our hearts focused on you!  In Jesus' name, Amen.


© 2016 Linda Lijewski

Monday, May 9, 2016

Time For Change

In 2015, my Number 1 goal was to lose weight (same goal I always have when the New Year starts).  All through the year, I fluctuated five pounds, up and down.  In the end, my weight was up!  I went to the doctor in November and found out that my blood sugar was high.  OK.  Time for change!  When I sat down to plan my 2016 goals, I changed my Number 1 goal.  I wrote, "Become Healthy," on the paper, along with my other goals for 2016.  I did not have a plan yet, but I changed the goal.

I came across a magazine article that mentioned the Wheat Belly book by William Davis, MD.  I'll read that book, I thought.  I don't know what "gluten-free" really means, but I will try it!  The article talked about all the same challenges I was facing... elevated blood sugar, out-of-control appetite, fatigue, and inability to lose weight.  It was time for change!

On January 9, I took my Barnes & Noble gift card and bought the Wheat Belly book and Journal.  When I got home, I read the first few pages and I thought, this is it!  I began my gluten-free lifestyle (not a diet) on January 10.  My goal to "become healthy" is being realized!  My blood sugar is way down.  My fatigue... gone!  My appetite (eating whole foods, no gluten) is under control!  I've lost 15 pounds!  I am so happy!

You may not need to go "gluten-free."  But, I believe that, if you are finding that your goal (whatever it may be) is sending you in the wrong direction, it may be time for change!  You can alter your goal and find that a new direction is just what you needed!

I was thinking about my change in direction and I realized that my book project has taken a slight detour.  I must follow my gut instinct and the Lord's leading.  In addition to the novel I am writing, I began writing another book (non-fiction) that I have had in my heart to write.  Someone suggested to me that it is OK to have several book projects going on at the same time.  I can sit down and work on the book that I feel motivated to work on at that moment.  That seems to be working well for me.

Are you making progress toward your goals?  Are you praying for the Lord's leading?  Is it time to re-evaluate your goals and move in a different direction?  Now is the time to think about how you are doing with your 2016 goals.  This year is going to be half-way done at the end of next month!  Time is going by fast.  Is it time for change?

Devotion

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.  Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me.  Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.  Psalm 51:10-12

Prayer:

Lord, we ask you to move in our hearts and set us in the right direction.  If a change is needed, please convict our hearts and help us to re-examine and re-define our goals.  We know sometimes we need a change in order to move forward.  We need a renewal!  We ask you to cleanse our hearts and renew our spirit.  We turn to you and trust you to lead us through a change in direction.  Thank you for giving us hope in the future and help in the present.  In Jesus' name, Amen.

© 2016 Linda Lijewski