Setting goals helps focus

Isaiah 41:13 “For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.”

The aim of coaching is to instill goal setting in one’s life.

To make your goal S.M.A.R.T., it needs to conform to the following criteria: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Timely.

Goals are powerful. They motivate us to accomplish tasks that don’t thrill us, tasks we wouldn’t attempt if the task stood alone without a goal attached to it. Earning money to pay bills and support our family motivates us to show up at that job we aren’t wild about. Thinking about a date on Friday motivates us to be diligent during the workweek. Admission to our favorite college motivates us to study in high school. The pleasure of victory in athletics or applause after a performance motivates us to put forth our best effort in the midst a boring practice session.

Overcoming obstacles can seem daunting. The things that hold us back can vary: Time, money, fear of failure, confidence, emotional support. What has kept you from pursuing your dreams? For me, my obstacles have been a nice combination of all of the above.

There are many roadblocks that prevent us from relating to Christ and becoming like Him. Today, identify the benefits of living life God’s way. This will keep you more focused and motivated to pursue Christ. Strive to put aside anything harmful that may distract you from being the Christian God wants you to be. Easier said than done, I know.

Maybe a good start would be to ask yourself this question, “What is holding me back, and why do I still believe it or do it anyway?” And “do I have a strategy to live life differently?”

Editor’s note: The Rev. Dr. Scott Stewart is the pastor of Pea Ridge United Methodist Church and Brightwater Methodist Church. He can be contacted at revjstewart@gmail.com or 479-659-9519.