This Time I Will: Biblical Principles for Effective Goal-SettingSample

Everyone Fails?

Principle #1: Mindset is everything.

Did you know that studies say only 8% of people who make resolutions complete them? Research suggests that 23% of people quit their resolution by the end of the first week, and 43% quit by the end of January. If, like me, you have ever been a part of the 23 or 43%, you are likely not surprised. But, if, also like me, you have longed for an opportunity to get to the other side of successful goal setting, then I have good news.

When it comes to setting goals, failure is more common than many of us realize. Now that we have that out of the way, hopefully, that frees you from the condemnation, self-loathing, and comparison that sometimes accompanies unmet expectations. That is some good news, but it's not all the good news. The rest is that this devotional was written with you in mind – to encourage and help you position yourself to practically apply Scripture for success. Let’s start with the first principle—mindset.

Philippians 1:6 reminds us that innate to God's character is that He will finish what He starts. The operative word in the verse is will – not intend, not wishes, but will, which establishes certainty. Why does that matter? Because it is the best example we have of what the synergy between intention and ambition could be.

I have found that half of the challenge with goal setting for most is mindset. For example, if you previously set a weight loss goal but were unsuccessful, it is only natural to be hesitant about future attempts. In the back of your mind, you might battle thoughts of doubt and defeat. Except, what if there was a supernatural grace for success with your next attempt? Enter the word of God.

Understanding God's character as a finisher should give us confidence that if we are made in His image, then maybe we can also finish what we start. Obviously, you and I are not God, so even our most noble ambitions must be submitted to Him with an accompanying prayer for grace to follow through. After all, if we really believe that greater is He that is in us than he that is in the world, there is no better opportunity to show that than with our goals.

Reflection Questions:
1. What goals would I like to achieve right now?
2. How have previous unsuccessful attempts at reaching my goals affected my confidence with my current goals?