Have you decided on any New Year’s resolutions? Every year folks commit to try to improve their lives whether it be their fitness, their finances, travel more, etc. Unfortunately, only 8% of people keep their resolutions for four weeks.
I don’t do resolutions, but I’ve learned how to make real progress on achieving important yearly goals by doing these four things:
-
Identify Goals You Really Want to Achieve
I break my goals down into five categories: Spiritual, Physical, Family, Work and Financial. For example, three of my spiritual goals are to read through the entire Bible this year, to pray daily through my prayer list, and meditate on one different verse each week.
-
Use numbers to follow your progress
Keeping track of numbers every day helps us stay on track! Here is how I use numbers to help achieve my physical goals. I have yearly goals of walking 4 miles a day for 300 days, doing pushups 150 days, and lifting light weights 150 days. So, every day I record my progress. I let the numbers speak to me . . . if I’m falling behind, it motivates me to exercise, even if I don’t feel like it.
-
Review, review, review
The first thing I do Monday morning is to review the progress I’m making on my goals. For example, if one of your financial goals is to pay off your credit cards, review how you’re doing. It may become apparent that you need to find a way to earn some extra money each week or cut back on some expenses to reach your goal.
Use a spending tracker to help you plan and track your progress!
-
Have an accountability buddy
Finally, have a friend or maybe your spouse to mutually hold each other accountable on making progress to achieve your annual goals. Connect with each other once a month, and be transparent with your progress.
Consider starting a small group at your church or with a small group, or join one of our online studies to provide some accountability!
If you do these four things, you’ll be so encouraged by the time December 31 rolls around. By God’s grace, you will have accomplished important goals that will bring you closer to Christ and your loved ones, and help you become financially and physically healthier.
Warmly in Christ,
Howard Dayton
Board Member, Compass Founder
