Gerth - The do what you can plan (ebook shorts): 21 days to making any area of your life better

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Be Specific

In their hearts humans plan their course,

but the L ORD establishes their steps.

Proverbs 16:9

I want to be happier.

Id like my marriage to get better.

I hope I can lose some weight.

Weve all said words like those above at some point. Doing so is a bit like lying on our backs, looking at the clouds, and pointing out vague shapes we think we see above us. Our goals shift with every wind, and we have trouble knowing whether or not our efforts have been successful.

I have a confession: I dont like specific goals. Im a big-picture, dreamer kind of girl, and I want to keep my options open. A specific goal can feel a lot like a too-tight turtleneck in winter. For crying out loud , I think, just let me breathe a little here.

I also get concerned that setting specific goals will get in the way of the Holy Spirit in my life. I want to be led by God, not driven by goals Ive set up on my own.

But it turns out that goals can be helpful tools along the way and can actually serve as reminders of the bigger missions God has called us to pursue in life. Whats necessary is realizing that goals arent ultimatums; they are simply directions. We are in charge of themtheyre not in charge of us. Goals can be changed, adjusted, or dismissed any time wed like or as soon as God shows us that its time for a switch.

Goals arent just about a destination. Instead they are more about focus. Goals serve to keep something in particular in front of us. In the middle of all the different distractions in our lives, goals set aside certain things and essentially label them Important: Pay Attention to This.

Pursuing a goal gets us moving, but its still God who determines our ultimate destination, as the verse above says. Its hard to redirect someone who is standing still. So use goals to give you motivation as well as directionthen let God guide you as you go.

Research has shown that the more specific a goal is, the more likely it will actually be accomplished. Its powerful to pinpoint a goal and write it down. Our brains are wired to notice when we do so. I like to think thats part of being made in the image of the God who said, Let there be light, and there was (Gen. 1:3). Putting words to the desires of your heart is a uniquely human capability thats more powerful than we often realize. Instead of gazing at the clouds and hoping, we get on our feet and start moving toward all God has for usand he promises to help us along the way.

Today revisit your mustard seed goal and make sure its as specific as possible. The quickest check is asking yourself: How will I know when I have completed this goal? Write your answer in your journal.