"'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'" - Jeremiah 29:11
“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.” – Proverbs 16:3
When life throws me a curve ball, I reflect on these bible verses. I know that challenges that I face and the trials that I endure are all part of God’s overall plan for me and my family. There are so many thoughts and plans that God has placed on my heart and I know that they are from him because they are things that I would have never imagined myself getting involved in. I’ve had to just step back and let God do what God needs to do in order to get Michelle right to be able to handle what it is He wants me to do. Along the way, I’ve come to realize that he’s removing certain people and habits from my world, but at the same time he’s depositing so many wonderful and positive people and characteristics. There has been a change in my walk and my talk. Some subtle and some drastic, but I know without a doubt that I’m on the path to greatness. Not in a cocky kind of way, but in a way that I will have no choice but to give all the credit to God. I’m excited and a tad bit nervous about the journey, but I know that He won’t lead me astray.
To get what you want and need out of life, you have to plan for it. You have to have goals and ways of tracking your accomplishments and setbacks. I, personally, use what are called S.M.A.R.T. goals. They were introduced to me years ago when I first became a manager in the hospitality industry and I’ve been able to apply them to both my personal and professional life.
If you’ve never heard of S.M.A.R.T. goals, it stands for Specific; Measurable; Action-based; Realistic; and Time-bound. It’s easy to say I want to be successful or I want to pay off my debt, but without a game plan on how to those things, how will you know when and where to start?
Shape your goals in a S.M.A.R.T. way to keep yourself accountable.
Specific is the what, why and how. Use action words to describe what you are going to do. Why is it important to you? What is it that you want to accomplish and for what reason? How are you going to do it? What resources do you have and/or need?
Have measurable checkpoints. In one week, I want to have this done. In one month, this should be completed. If you’re unable to measure, then you’ll never be able to manage it. Having measurable progress will help to keep you motivated and energized about attaining your goals.
Identifying what is most important to you will often energize you to find the means to attain it. When you really apply yourself, you will find the energy, finances, attitude, skills and abilities to get what it is you really want. You’ll find that people and opportunities will come into your life to help you with your goals once you really begin focusing on them. Come up with an action plan to set you in the right direction of reaching your goal. If you’re unsure what avenues to take, reach out to people who are able to help. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when necessary.
Your goal must be realistic. Becoming a millionaire in one week does not cut it! Evaluate where you are and what you have. If your goal is unrealistic, then you will lose motivation and it will not happen.
Finally, set a time-frame for your goal. Don’t beat yourself up if you don’t meet your original goal in the time that you set, but evaluate what it is you need to change and adapt to so that you can continue on your course to greatness!
