Should a Christian Set Goals?

Should a Christian set Goals? If so, what kind should they be?  New Year’s resolutions are set by many, but more frequently never kept.  Why? There are  both biblical and personality traits behind the answers to both questions. 

The biblical reasons to set goals are based on the need for Christians to “not conform the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is-his good, pleasing, and perfect will.[i]” How can this be accomplished without setting forth ways to accomplish it?—i.e., setting specific goals.  It will not “just happen.”  Further, Paul gives an example of what he does to put off the old person. He sets a specific goal.   In stating he wants to know Christ and the power of His resurrection and becoming like Him, he  states he knows he hasn’t already obtain this objective. Thus, “this one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”[ii]  In fact, the New Testament is filled with admonitions to change.  Change does not occur by chance.

Note some goal setting principles in Paul’s writings: 1) You have to change your thinking –“renewing of your mine”  2) Don’t dwell on past failures – “forgetting the past:3) Effort is required –“straining towards” 3) The goal is specific and exclude less important objective-“
this one thing I do.”

First, goals must be specific.  It is not good enough to tell yourself “Someday I will….” Someday is not on the calendar.  Second, goals must be measurable.  Otherwise, how does one know progress is being made?  Sure, some goals are large and tend to be made in subjective terms.  That problem is easily solved by breaking the goal down into smaller measurable steps.  Third, goals must be realistic.  Nothing sets up failure more than setting unattainable goals.  Suppose someone   5 ft tall sets a goal to being the forward on an NBA basketball team—clearly unrealistic.  Setting expectations is an art.  You want to be motivated, but not have the expectations so high they discourage you from the start.. Fourth, goals should be public if you wish to really hold yourself accountable.  Public doesn’t mean everyone.  Just someone other than yourself. Countless additive groups and others know and practice this principle.

I was a “technologist” when I first graduated from the university.  I quickly learned that most problems getting things done came from “people-problems” not finance or technology.   In setting goals there are two aspects to this—yourself and others.  The Meyers Briggs Personality Type indicator models 16 different personality types.  One of these types, the “J” personality type is very comfortable with time management and goals.  The ”P’ personality type is spontaneous and could care less about schedules.  If you are the second type[iii] I suggest you need someone close and special to hold you accountable.  Another thing to keep in mind is setting goals that use your strengths, not your weaknesses.  Gallop has developed the Strenghsfinder tool which very accurately measures both.[iv]  You will make more progress and be successful in using your strengths instead of your weakness.  Other personality traits like auditory vs visual learners plan into this.  For example, if you goal is to “read” through the bible in one year and you hate reading but like listening or looking at visual material.  Instead of reading,  get a bible version that “reads” the scripture to you. Or get a video that does the same thing.  The point is, evaluating what your personality traits and gifts are will immensely help to achieve your goals.

Last, remember I said other people can have an effect on you.  If you are trying to “put off” certain traits, then don’t associate with those that have them.  Second, there are going to be negative personality people who will “po poo” any goal you might set.  In general, avoid negative people.

Yes, as a Christian, set your specific, realistic, accountable, and public goals.  And, have a great successful New Year.

[i] Romans 12:

[ii] Phil.  3:12-14.

[iii] You can take the MBTI test online here: https://www.mbtionline.com/?msclkid=7aac7ba576bc1223d1151e3519a48d0f

[iv] You can find the StrengthsFinder here: https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/strengthsfinder.aspx