“I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.” Philippians 3:12-14 NLT
How are you doing on achieving the goals you’ve set? It’s time to find out. It’s time to review your progress.
Reviewing your goal progress is an opportunity to celebrate, not just your progress, but your growth. So, how do you approach review in a way that encourages growth?
It starts with that perspective. Remember, it’s about the growth, not the goals. So, here’s a brief overview of how to do a goal review.
Set aside time. Reviewing won’t happen naturally. Since you are someone who wants to achieve, your tendency will be to focus on forward, check off the completed tasks and keep going. Looking back, reviewing, takes intentionality.
Plan regular review times. Put them on your calendar. Set reminders. Then take the time.
Ask yourself questions. It’s not just about what got done. It’s about the growth, not the goals. Invite God into your review. Ask Him to guide you as you consider your progress.
Ask yourself what worked and what didn’t. Look for patterns that lead to or take away from productivity. Ask yourself what you have learned. What skills have you learned? What have you learned about yourself? About God? About others? What have you learned about your goal? Is it a God-centered goal?
Recommit or refocus. Part of the review process is to ask yourself if this is still a goal worth pursuing. If it is, recommit. If it’s not, re-craft it or refocus on a goal worth your time and energy.
Remember, what you are re-committing to is not about the task. It’s about becoming the person God designed you to be and accomplishing the good works He planned in advance for you to do. (Ephesians 2:10). As you review, keep that in mind.
Dear friend, my goal in this series of posts has been to encourage you to set and accomplish God-centered goals. The purpose of God-centered goals is to make yourself available to God for His purposes. God-centered goals are about His work in you as much as His work through you. As you set aside time, ask yourself questions and recommit or refocus.
Remember this: It’s about the growth, not the goals.
Key Question: How and why do you do a goal review?
A Scripture to Consider: “I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.” Philippians 3:12-14 NLT
A YES Challenge: Look at your calendar and set an appointment with yourself to do a goal review. Write out some questions in advance. Consider lighting a candle or some other action to acknowledge God’s presence in your review.
Prayer: Father, thank You for helping me to make progress toward my goals. As I review, help me remember that the most important part of the goal process is not getting things done, but becoming who You designed me to be. Remind me that it is about the growth, not the goals. Goals are one of the tools You use to accomplish Your purpose in and through me. To Your name alone be all the glory. Amen.
