“I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:14 NIV
What does it mean to achieve? This is Step Four of our framework for God-centered goal setting.
A quick review:
Step 1 – Ask: Take the time to ask God to help you know yourself better. As you discover more of how He has designed you, ask Him how He wants you to cooperate with His designs and plans. What did God create you for?
Step 2 — Aim: Begin to craft goals that line up with the way God has made you and with what you discern His purposes are for you.
Step 3 — Act: Plan action steps that move in the direction of those God-centered goals you have crafted.
Step 4 — Achieve: At this stage, you have completed a goal. You have done the thing you believe God asked you to do. It could be developing a skill, or an area of character. It could be starting a particular ministry, completing a degree program or writing a book. Whatever that goal was, in Step 4 you get to mark it DONE. At this stage, it is time to celebrate. But there is more.
How often do you stop to celebrate what you have accomplished? Even before you reach this step, plan a way to celebrate. It can be something as small as treating yourself to a vanilla latte with extra foam, or a movie night at home with popcorn. Plan something, anything, to celebrate reaching your goal.
When I finally published my book, The Yes Adventure: Transform Your Life with One Word, I had planned to go for a pedicure. I enjoy pedicures, but they are not a part of my regular budget. A pedicure is a treat for me. Honestly, the pedicure was secondary. The real treat was knowing that I had finally completed a long-dreamed-of goal. The motivation to complete that goal was believing that God had spoken and it was time to follow through. The pedicure meant I had done it!
Celebrating an achievement is fun, no matter how big or small your celebration is. It’s important. But do you know what the best part of achieving is when your goal is God-centered? You have obeyed God. You’ve said YES, given your best effort and your whole heart to His purpose and done what You believed He asked you to do. To the best of your ability, you have obeyed God. That’s the best part.
But achieving is not the end of your adventure. The YES Adventure is continual. It will not end until you head to heaven. Because The YES Adventure is about more than God-centered goals. It’s about a God-centered life. So, once you’ve achieved, keep your eyes set on the heavenly horizon and begin this God-centered goal setting process again.
Ask God to reveal your next YES.
Aim toward that goal.
Act as you take the steps needed to head in that direction.
Achieve that goal, then celebrate and start again.
It is a never-ending adventure. So, my friend, I have this question for you:
Where will your YES take you?
I can’t wait to hear what you do next. Send me a message and let me know. I’d love to walk this journey with you. Use this link to schedule a 30-minute complimentary coaching session, and let’s discover your next steps together. I am cheering you on!
Thanks for reading and including me in your journey. Keep saying YES!
If you’d like to learn more, you can check out the book here. Please leave a review on Amazon! That will help other people find the book and receive guidance and encouragement in their God-centered goal setting.
Key Question: What does it mean to achieve?
A Scripture to Consider: “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:14 NIV
A YES Challenge: Take a look at your goals. Plan a way to celebrate the goal you are nearest to completing. Have fun! And remember that celebrating is a way to thank God.
Prayer: Father, I am so grateful for the ways You have been part of this journey. Thank You for reminding me that any goal I achieve, I do with You, not just for You. Show me how to honor You by celebrating what You help me accomplish. You are worthy of it all!