My Personal War Strategy for Young AdultsSample

DAY FOUR: Goal Setting - THE TIME IS NOW!

Hey Sis, have you ever wondered, “How in the world are people setting goals and besting them?” It seems like everyone is winning effortlessly on social media; meanwhile you're waiting to make it to the place where life isn’t consistently so hard! Someone is constantly achieving something. A new relationship. Accepted into college.  A new car. A scholarship. A new job. Blah! Blah! Blah! And then there’s you with confusing thoughts about who you are or what you desire. I know you’re tired of thinking thoughts like, “What is it with me and why haven’t I made it yet?” The insecurities, the negative talk, the procrastination—all are poison that crumble your passion. The pessimistic thoughts that fog your brain are all reasons why you can’t accomplish the goals that you’ve set for yourself; the internal conflicts that you are having are at war against who God knows you are. 

It’s been said that the best path to success is by taking the stairs, but if I’m honest sometimes it can feel like some people get an elevator blessing. Sis, the thief of joy is comparison, and the way to achieve your goals is to stop looking at what’s going wrong and apply pressure to what’s working for you. If scrolling through someone else's wins on social media makes you insecure, then as your big sister I'm challenging you in this season of growing to set a goal that limits how much time you spend on social media. 

Ask yourself, what are things that interest me, and go after them. Don’t wait for someone else to acknowledge your strengths; you have to be affirmed by God, and move confidently in that truth. In the moments that you feel drained, unmotivated, or you’re in a blah mood, acknowledge your feelings, retrace your steps, and discover the path to peace and joy. Turn on your music. Get cute just because. Sis, do whatever it takes to create an atmosphere where the best version of yourself shines bright like a diamond. There may not be a knock on the door to rescue you from yourself, but if there is, be self-aware enough to not resist when help graciously arrives at your doorstep. Help is a sign that when you choose to move forward, God will meet you halfway. 

Moment of Reflection: Think about the people, things, or environments that cause you to second guess how amazing you are and what makes you choose to distance yourself from others. It's time to be about that action! Now's the time to fight against what is trying to hold you back. We can no longer afford to waste time entertaining things that don’t activate the highest version of ourselves. Apply pressure in every open door this season—withhold nothing. It’s go time!

Prayer: God, thank you that you have given me the desires of my heart. I may not fully understand the vision, but I trust you Lord. Reveal things, people, and places that pull me away from whom you have called me to be and give me the confidence to walk boldly as I grow in you. Amen.