The Set of Directions

Four Parts to a Well-Executed Plan to Reach Your Goal

Goal Setting for Everyday Use – Part 5

There is one thing that separates average people from the truly exceptional and it is not in the type of goals a person sets. What we have figured out is that most people do not have a shortage of ideas, aspirations, goals, or desires. So then what is the distinction? It is that the exceptional have done a better job of executing on their goals and dreams. I emphasize “executing” on their dreams and not achieving their dreams. That is a totally different thing. The average person sees the results of the uncommon and assumes that that person has accomplished their dreams. The truth is, the uncommon rarely have accomplished all they intended to, desired to, or dreamt to accomplish. Rather, she or he is on a journey towards their desires and the average person is a spectator of the life of the person who is on the journey. In this lesson, I wish to provide you with a few steps that paint a picture of what it is like to move from spectator to participant.

1. Be aware of the problems that will stand in your way.
   In the beginning of any journey, there are some known and unknown variables. A popular term for these unknown variables is “uncertainty.” We must not allow the uncertainties to stop us before we get started. Therefore, we need to ask ourselves what could potential be standing in our way? What might present itself as a stumbling block? Go ahead and give some thought to what you might not expect to happen along the way. Get that type of thinking out of the way and update your plan to accommodate the possibility if you deem it necessary so that it doesn’t become an excuse not to continue.
   Don’t make the mistake we made in the past. What we thought was unexpected should have been expected. There are some things that are just a part of the journey. Prepare for it upfront and take that excuse away. 
   
   
2. Take stock of what you have.
   I often make this statement. We cannot spend someone else’s money. This statement simply means stop comparing what someone else is doing to what you desire to do. Once you begin focusing on your own work, you will no longer need to compare yourself to others and then, and only then will you receive the reward for a job well done. ^[1] What you have is all you have to begin the journal. Use what you have and get going. Michael Hyatt is known for saying that once you begin, then the resources will begin to show up. In other words, God is not supplying a need that’s not needed. When you have a need then the need will be supplied. ^[2] There’s a book that I’m a fan of that’s called “It Only Takes Everything You’ve Got!” That reminds me that it doesn’t take what we don’t have, but all that we have is what it takes to begin the journey of obtaining one’s dreams: goals, desires, and ambitions. Take account of what you have in your possession to act on your goals. Avoid the mistakes ordinary people make at the beginning of the journey. The average person takes stock of what they don’t have, what they are missing, and what they could use. This type of thinking will only prolong you in taking the necessary steps to bring you to the desired destination. 
   
   
3. Execute from a plan.
   There is an unfair advantage that comes from a person who has a written plan. I have no idea why, but a person who has a plan is miles ahead of the person who does not. A plan is your key to unlocking the success that you desire. However, do you know what’s better than having a written plan? Executing from that plan. Having the plan is nice, but if you allow anyone or anything to keep you from executing your plan, that will keep you from a destination that has already been mapped out.
   
   
4. Make executing your plan one with who you are.
   In order to execute a plan that is new for you, then one must do a couple of things. One, figure out a way to make it a part of your regular routines and two, more than likely you will have to replace something that you are already doing to make room for this new set of activities. Regardless of which direction you take, you will need to figure out how to execute your plans and improve your efforts as you go. Most importantly, find a way to make it a part of your daily lifestyle. Executing apart from your normal rhythm of life is a recipe for failure to reach your destination. While executing, keep in mind that the plan will have to be adjusted; be okay with that. A person can set the plan, but it is God who makes it possible for you to get to the destination. ^[3] 
   

Let me conclude with this. The easiest approach you can take is to execute only one goal. Keep in mind most of us have very little free time. In fact, we all lead busy lives and to throw several goals at once into an already busy schedule too is a recipe for disaster. Target one goal first. Attack only one goal each month at most until you feel comfortable with more. Don’t try to overload yourself. If you are setting goals or making plans, the objective is not to make it hard, but to make it easy. Goals are there to make your life easy, better, and push you to the next level. Doing so will make you excited to set goals. 

Question: Have you been overloading yourself with too many goals? Share your experience.

[1] ‭‭Luke 6:45 NLT‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬, Bible.com, accessed January 3, 2024, https://www.bible.com/bible/116/LUK.6.45.NLT
[2] ‭‭ Philippians 4:19 NKJV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬, Bible.com, accessed January 3, 2024, https://www.bible.com/bible/114/PHP.4.19.NKJV
[3] Proverbs 16:9 AMP‬‬‬‬‬‬, Bible.com, accessed January 3, 2024, https://www.bible.com/bible/1588/PRO.16.9.AMP

All Scripture references used by permission, see our Scripture copyrights. 

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