Living in Increase (Part 12) - Increase in Focusનમૂનો

Create an Action Plan

Yesterday, we discussed setting S.M.A.R.T. goals and writing your goals with the parameters of the S.M.A.R.T. goals. Now, it’s time to create an action plan to meet your goals. This sounds complicated, but it breaks down your goals into achievable milestones. After all, how do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time!

Let’s use our weight loss goal as an example to work with:

The Goal: I want to lose weight.

S.M.A.R.T. Goal: I want to lose 50 lbs (measurable & realistic) in 12 months (time-based). I will lose weight by exercising four times weekly and eating smaller portions (attainable and specific).

Break Down the Goal: 50 lbs / 12 months = 4.2 lbs per month; 4.2 lbs / 4 weeks = 1.05 lbs per week

Breaking down the goal turns the big, often overwhelming, picture into exciting and achievable goals. Winston Churchill said, “Failing to plan is planning to fail.” Goals are derived from a purpose or vision you have for yourself. Every great biblical leader had a vision and purpose they accomplished to make them the “greats” of the Bible. Each of them also had a prayerful plan of action accompanied by God’s power to complete their vision. For example, Nehemiah prayed and wept before coming up with a meticulous plan to achieve his goal of rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem. The disciples were given the Great Commission to fulfill. Jesus commanded them to go into all the world! You cannot go into the world without a plan of action. Their goal was to spread the Gospel to the whole world. Their plan, put simply, was to create disciples and churches throughout the region to spread the Gospel.

If you want to take your relationship with Jesus to the next level, I encourage you to continue to pray over your goals, asking God for wisdom and knowledge on the plan of action you need to implement to achieve your goals. Whether your goal is based on health and fitness or starting a ministry, do not downplay your goal. The size of the goal does not matter; what matters is the size of the impact. If you are focused this season on health and weight loss, decide who else you can impact in your journey. How can you use that goal and plan of action to influence others? Perhaps part of your plan is to start a fitness or meal-prepping small group.

Whatever your goal is, write an impactful action plan to achieve it!

Lindsey Whitney

Action Step: Review your goal from yesterday and pray about how you can use it to impact others.