Be Intentional in 2010

We are a few days into January and a new year and decade has begun. I'm not a big believer in resolutions, but I do believe in setting goals because they motivate us to work and achieve what God has placed in our hearts. Remember, dreaming without planning is simply wishing.

If you haven't set goals yet, here are some tips I share in my book "Living It Up!" to help you:

1. PRAY about what you feel God wants you to do or where He wants you to be. A simple check would be to ask yourself, “What is in my heart to do? What dream do I have for myself and my family?”
2. DECIDE what your long-term goal is first. Ask yourself, “Where do I want to be in five years? How about in two years?”
3. STRAGETIZE on how your short-term goals can help you to achieve your long-term goals. For example, if you want to do something completely different, as in a career change or go into ministry, begin to prepare yourself by going to school or volunteering in that type of ministry. Do your research and prepare.
4. WRITE DOWN your goals and place them where you can see them. Keep yourself driven toward your long-term goals and make checklists for your short-term goals. Each week I have a list of things to do that I need to get done, and the list helps keep me on track.
5. BE SPECIFIC. As you’re prayerfully writing down your short-term goals, be really specific. Don’t just hope for it, but specify something that you can measure with activity and time. For example, don’t simply write “Spend more quality time with my family.” Write “Spend one hour a day coloring, reading, or playing games with my children.”
6. SHARE these goals with one or two people who will encourage you and hold you accountable. Telling someone that you’re going to do something makes you feel more obligated to do it. Having someone ask you, “Were you able to spend the desired quality time with your children this week?” helps in keeping you focused.
7. ACT and follow through. Complacency and procrastination are the biggest enemies of you achieving your dreams. Notice that they have to do with you. Yes, there are other bullies out there that fight to keep you from your goals, but it’s mainly up to you to act and make the necessary choices to bring you closer to your goals.
8. PERSEVERE and don’t give up. Life has a way of throwing us curve balls that can distract or discourage us from our goals, but don’t stop planning and strategizing. Sometimes, they just need to be revised. Be diligent to do what God has called you to do and to be the person God has called you to be. You can. Don’t stop praying, deciding, strategizing, writing, sharing,and acting on the goals you have in mind. Proverbs 13:12 (NLT) says, “Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a dream fulfilled is a tree of life.” Faithful determined pursuit breeds a sweet reward!

Be intentional to aim and accomplish. Remember, each short-term goal you accomplish is a stepping-stone bringing you closer to your long-term goals. This is your life, your dream. Dare to bring it to pass!

Happy 2010!!