Tip #5: Formulate & Work Towards Goals That Challenge & Motivate You.

12 Steps Finding Joy and Staying Joyful

Tip #1 Smile and Laugh Regularly click here

Tip # 2  Be Careful What You Think click here

 Tip #3 Count Your Blessings click here
Tip # 4 Remember The Source of Our Joy click here

Tip #5

 "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 (NIV)

I cannot tell you how many times I have set goals then the moment I “fail” I give up.  Probably many of us have set goals at the first of every year; and within a few months we have forgotten all about the goals.  One of the biggest goals people set every year is to lose weight; and the majority of us fail and give up.  When I fail at something I find myself feeling down and even call myself a failure.  I find that I am my toughest critic. 

I came across an interesting acronym to help me set reasonable goals.  Whenever we set goals we need to remember to make our goals *S.M.A.R.T. – Specific (not just – ‘I want to lose weight’, but instead ‘I want to lose 10 lbs.’); Measurable (how can you show you have met the goal?); Attainable (‘I want to lose 25 lbs in one week’ – You are setting yourself up for failure.); Realistic (‘I will NEVER eat sweets again.’- great thought, but if you love sweets you are setting yourself up for failure.  Instead treat yourself to a sweet once a week.); and Timely (set a date – not too soon, not too late – but time restrictions are helpful to bring about change). 

We are not just spiritual or physical beings. Our goals should include many areas of our life: spiritual, physical, mental, social relationships, work, ministry and stewardship. They should also include things that will motivate us as well as take pride and joy in accomplishing these goals.  Include some of your ‘desires’ or dreams.  Many of us have a “bucket list”.  A list of things we wish to accomplish before we get old or die.  My sister has a bucket list and one of the things on her list was to attend a Penn State football game.  The other week she was able to cross that off her list!   She was quite excited about being able to have this “dream” or “goal” finally met. 

One thing to always remember when setting goals or our bucket list – Will it please the Lord? God’s Word says:  “So whether we are here in this body or away from this body, our goal is to please him.”  2 Corinthians 5:9   “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”   1 Corinthians 10:31   It is wonderful to have goals and dreams, but we need to make sure they are aligned with what God desires for us.

Setting S.M.A.R.T. goals will keep us from getting bored and lazy. Attaining these goals can bring about joy, peace and satisfaction. 

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·         * S.M.A.R.T. – Originator of acronym unknown.