Goals and planners and calendars, oh my!
‘Tis the season to set goals and make plans.
I have to say that I’m not a goal setter by nature. I like the feeling of accomplishment but it’s hard for me to set goals. I get a little overwhelmed, a little cagey. I mean, what if I set the wrong ones? What if I go off in the wrong direction and waste time on the wrong things?
My husband Mart is a master goal-setter. He has developed his own system. Around New Year’s every year, he spends a couple of hours with what he calls his personal constitution, a document that outlines his priorities in each area of his life, such as spiritual, relational, vocational, financial, physical, etc.
Through the years, he has done the work to think through what his priorities are and then sets goals that fit in those categories. Then, every Sunday, he checks his progress and makes tweaks where necessary. Most of the time, these weekly check-ins only take a few minutes, well worth the time and assurance that he’s going in the right direction. With this system, he gets more of the right things—his priorities—accomplished than anyone I know. (One of his goals for 2024 is to write a book about determining your purpose and priorities, and I have no doubt that he will do it.)
I, on the other hand, am wired a little differently. I am typically less motivated by achieving goals than I am with growth in general in every area. I am committed to my priorities and always have them in mind. When an opportunity comes along, if it doesn’t fit into an area of focus for me or line up with my gifts, it’s easy to say no.
If a commitment fits with a priority but will take a lot of time away from other priorities, I weigh it carefully and talk to Mart and other loved ones before I say yes. I also pray about how to proceed. Of course, sometimes one area of my life requires more of my time for a while, but in general, this is the system that I live by.
My overarching goal is always to do the things that are before me well and to love my people well. Quality versus quantity of accomplishments.
But this year, I would like to be a bit more focused, a bit more intentional. Today I watched a webinar that helped me sketch out some goals and think through how I can put them into practice. Tomorrow I’ll be spending more time with my notes and talking through it all with Mart.
It looks like 2024 will be busy but focused. Here are a few things that I foresee will be on my planner:
I will continue to share glimpses of beauty here on the blog and @glimsen on Facebook and Instagram.
I am also going to be working on a new project with a launch date of later this year.
I’ll continue to grow in my responsibilities in other areas of my life, such as at church and in my community.
I’ll be available to help and support family members who are anticipating big changes this year.
I’m sure to be adding more detailed and concrete goals to my list, but these are some things that are top of mind right now.
Whether you set goals or not, let me encourage you to make space in your planner and your life for looking for and enjoying the beauty around you. It will give you a much-needed pause in the day, lift your spirits, and perhaps give you a fresh, new perspective on life—all good things to add to the new year.
Do you set goals? Do you have a system that works for you? I would love to know what you do. Leave me a comment below.
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Planner photo courtesy of Annie Spratt on Unsplash.