Watch This
NOTE: This is designed for you, the dad, to complete first. We hope you’ll then use this to guide your family in a conversation about setting their own goals as individuals, and then some goals as a family.
Say This
It has been said that a goal without a plan is just a dream. If you gave an archer a bow and arrow and told him to, “SHOOT!” his first response would probably be, “At what?” Without a target he would have no purpose for shooting. He could shoot the arrow anywhere, and it would not matter where the arrow ended up. On the other hand, if you gave the archer a target and challenged him to hit the bull's-eye, everything would change. He would now have something to aim at, something to challenge his skills against, something to measure his progress with, and something that requires all of his effort. He would have a purpose. All by adding in a simple target. That’s what a goal does to a person’s life – It changes everything.
Read This
Philippians 3:12-14
Say This
As Christians, we should set goals for our spiritual lives that will challenge us, and give our lives focus and purpose. One way to do this is by setting SMART goals that are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and time-based. Use the SMART acronym below to help you set some goals for your spiritual and family life.
S
Specific
Be clear and unambiguous when setting your goal. Don’t leave room for guessing.
M
Measureable
Set a goal that allows you measurement toward your goals progress.
A
Attainable
Ask yourself, “Is this realistic and attainable?” If not, back to the drawing board.
R
Relevant
Create a goal with importance and meaning. Make sure the effort is worth it to you.
T
Time-bound
Commit to a deadline. Open-ended goals are forgotten.
Determine some “SMART” goals for your spiritual life and family in the areas below. Share these with your family, and give them permission to hold you accountable to these goals:
BIG TIP
You are 42 times more likely to achieve a goal when it is written down. Write these out and see them everyday!
Pablo Picasso
Our goals can only be reached through a vehicle of a plan, in which we must fervently believe, and upon which we must vigorously act. There is no other route to success.