Sometimes, okay, most of the time I do things really fast. It seems I’m always on autopilot. Life is busy. We’re all busy.
Other things we do on autopilot:
- Driving
- Answering the question “How are you doing today?” Answer: “I’m fine. How are you?”
- Opening the computer and looking at email.
- Scrolling social media (maybe even LinkedIn)
But what about your goals? Do you want something so bad that you can’t stand it?
I do. I have a 5-year plan and a 10-year plan. I even started a goal planner that I use – almost like a portable vision board. I bought plastic sleeves so I could print and insert my ‘vision board’ pictures into them. I then wrote out my goals. Took me 30 minutes.
But over the course of a week, I started thinking about all my goals conducting my own manifestation activity. I was doing this when I was cleaning my house. Multitasking again!
But was I really manifesting anything? Probably not. But why? I came up with four reasons that this process wasn’t working for me.
Here are my 4 reasons why they are why not working for me and maybe not for you too:
Your ask is too small.
Your ask is too vague.
You wrote down your goals too fast.
You forgot to ask God.
Your Ask is Too Small.
Don’t aim low.
This leads only to complacency and lack of motivation. Get out of your comfort zone.
Anything is possible with God.
How to Avoid This:
Think Big: Stretch your imagination. Challenge yourself with ambitious goals that excite and inspire you.
Visualize Success: Picture where you want to be in 5 or 10 years and set goals that align with that vision.
Incremental Steps: Break down large, intimidating goals into smaller, manageable tasks while keeping your eye on the big picture.
Your Ask is Too Vague.
Goals like “get another job” or “be successful” lack specificity and clarity, making it difficult to track progress or know when you’ve achieved them.
How to avoid this:
Be Specific: Use the SMART criteria—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.
For example, instead of “get another job” aim for “apply for 5 new jobs, I would take, with better benefits and increased salary in 1 month.”
You Wrote Down Your Goals Too Fast
This also leads only to complacency and lack of motivation. Think about what you really want. Writing down goals without thinking will lead to misalignment with your personal values and / or long-term aspirations.
If you want another job and write this down without consideration, you will end up with a job that is also misaligned with your personal values and / or long-term aspirations, leading to a lack of motivation or commitment.
How to Avoid This:
Take Your Time. Spend time reflecting on what truly matters to you. Consider your values, passions, and long-term desires before committing to any goals.
Consult and Reflect: Discuss your goals with mentors, friends, or family. Their feedback can provide valuable insights and help refine your objectives. But….don’t let anyone tell you, you cannot do it (whatever it is). Anything is possible with God.
You Did Not Ask God
Asking God is an integral part of your goal-setting process.
Write down your goals and add pictures to provide clarity.
Habakkuk 2.2 reads: “And the Lord answered me and said: “Write the vision and make it plain upon tablets, that he may run that readeth it.”
Prayer and Meditation: Take time to pray or meditate on your goals. Seek wisdom and clarity to ensure your goals are aligned with your faith and values.
Faith-Based Planning: Integrate your spiritual beliefs into your planning process. This can include reading scripture, seeking counsel from spiritual leaders, or engaging in community support.
Always have hope:
Jeremiah 29:11 – Plans for Prosperity and Hope
“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.”
Things to think about
Effective goal-setting requires a balance of ambition, specificity, thoughtfulness, and, for those who believe, spiritual alignment. By avoiding these common mistakes—setting small or vague goals, rushing the process, and neglecting spiritual guidance—you can set yourself on a path to meaningful and fulfilling achievements.
Remember, the journey to success is just as important as the destination.
