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