The Importance of Goals
If you don't know where you are going, how will you know when you get there?
Sandy Ringer
One of my favorite books is "Time Management" by Richard Winwood. In the book, Mr. Winwood talks of a national survey that revealed some interesting things about the way people set financial goals. The results of the survey showed that only 3% of the people who responded had actually put their goals in writing. Another 10%, while not having written goals, had firm goals in mind. 60% had a general concept of what they wanted to accomplish and over 25% had no goals or plans whatsoever.
Now these results are somewhat interesting, but they become fascinating when combined with the next part of the survey. Of those taking the survey, 3% were considered "highly successful". Another 10% were considered "comfortable". 60% were of "modest means" and over 25% were described as "struggling in life".
While the survey makers did not imply that there was a 100% correlation between those with firm goals and extraordinary success, it was very clear that goals were a huge factor in the financial success of the individuals taking the survey. This got me to thinking: If having written goals dramatically increases one's chance of success in the physical aspects of life, then why wouldn't they do the same in the really important areas such as our relationships to God and our loved ones?
As a result of this process, I sat down and wrote out the ten most important things in my life - my goals for a lifetime, if you will, - and I have been startled at their effectiveness. There is just something about having a written set of goals that you can continually refer to to help you stay focused on the things that are truly important. Over the next few weeks, I will share with you my goals and the reasoning behind their inclusion in my list of important things . For now, though, may I leave you with this question? Do you have your goals in mind of the things you consider most important in life? If not, how will you know where you are going?
Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.
Proverbs 16:3, NIV
