I’ve never been one for New Year’s resolutions. The pressure to overhaul your life in one sweep has never sat right with me. But intentional goal setting, now that’s something different. For me, it’s about taking a step back, looking at the year from a bird’s-eye view, and asking the Lord, “What matters most this season?”
Over the years, I’ve learned that success in life and business isn’t about doing more. It’s about doing what matters and doing it with peace. I still remember one year when I made twelve different goals, one for each month. It sounded productive and exciting at first, but by spring, I was completely overwhelmed. It was too much to manage, and I felt more scattered than focused. That’s when I started shifting my approach. Now, I create four quarterly goals, one for each season, and break them into smaller, manageable steps. It keeps me grounded and gives me the space to adjust as God leads.
Goal setting for me usually begins with journaling. I grab my notebook, pray, and ask the Lord for direction. It’s not always a single, clear moment; sometimes it’s a process that unfolds over a week or two. I begin jotting down ideas, listening, and noticing which ones keep coming back to my heart. Over time, those ideas start to take shape into goals.
In some quarters, my goals are focused on growth - like finishing a course, creating more video content, or driving traffic to my website through Pinterest. In other quarters, I focus on building deeper connections, being intentional in conversations, or driving to one of my virtual assistant packages. Every goal looks different depending on the season, but the heart behind it stays the same: to grow with God’s guidance, not out of pressure or performance.
And truthfully, even when I plan things out, they don’t always go the way I expect. There have been so many times when God redirected my goals mid-season. A door I thought would open closed, or something I hadn’t even planned for began to bloom instead. Those moments have taught me to stay flexible - to hold my plans with open hands and trust that His ways are higher, even when I don’t fully understand them.
When I sit down to plan a new year now, I think less about outcomes and more about alignment. I ask questions like:
1. Lord, what are You asking me to build with You this year?
2. Where do You want me to focus my energy and time?
3. How can I serve well in this season without striving?
1. Lord, what are You asking me to build with You this year?
2. Where do You want me to focus my energy and time?
3. How can I serve well in this season without striving?
Sometimes the answer is to rest and refine. Other times, it’s to create, build, and take bold action. I’ve also found that quarterly planning helps me stay connected to both my personal and business goals. Instead of rushing into the next thing, I can pause, reflect, and re-evaluate. Maybe one quarter I’m focused on nurturing relationships, while another I’m launching and promoting a new offer. This rhythm keeps me from burning out and reminds me that every season doesn’t have to look the same to be fruitful.
Faith-based goal setting isn’t about forcing results either; it’s about walking in obedience. It’s about giving God your best yes and trusting Him with the rest. The truth is, we can plan, strategize, and organize all we want, but the outcomes belong to Him. When we invite the Lord into our planning process, He gives us the clarity and peace we need to move forward with confidence.
If I could leave you with one encouragement, it’s this: keep your goals simple, realistic, and spirit-led. Don’t be afraid to dream big, but also don’t overlook the beauty of small, faithful steps. Your goals don’t need to impress anyone. They just need to align with where God is leading you.
Before you start mapping out your year, take a quiet moment to pray, journal, and reflect on what He’s already done. Ask Him what He wants to do next through you and with you. Because the best goals aren’t built on hustle; they’re built on His guidance. And remember, sometimes the most productive thing you can do is pause, listen, and let Him lead the way.
If you’re ready to set meaningful, faith-based goals this year, my Faith-Fueled Growth Journaling Guidebook will help you begin. Inside, you’ll find journaling prompts, reflection questions, and practical guidance to help you invite God into your goal-setting process and create a plan that aligns with His purpose. You can grab that free guide HERE.
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