Goals in Quarters – Abide in the Vine

Usually in February, former procrastinators, we reexamine any new year’s goals we’ve set and refine them.  We’ve come to March – late enough to discover glitches in our plans but still early enough to take steps to tweak our approach for the year. 

Maybe, like me, you’ll add a “spiritual goal” to your plan.  Remember to allow time for the spiritually-related goals you have.  They’re the kind that might fall through the cracks.

We should guard against setting goals we decide on by ourselves and then ask God to bless.  Instead, we ask God to direct us so that we recognize the goals He wants for us.  Then, we pursue those in obedience.

It’s a great help to me to see the difference in goals and desires and limit goals to what I actually have control over.  (Spiritual Goals and Desires – Abide in the Vine)

Quarterly planning enables us to bite off doable portions in a shorter time period.  It enables us to make steady progress all year.  That’s super encouraging. Pacing ourselves avoids last minute crunches.

Determine the goals you’d like to complete by December 31 (or sooner). Then write down the steps you should take for each goal and divide them throughout the year:  March, April–June, July–September, October–December.  Some goals might fill the year; others might take a week. You get to decide how you want to approach things and when.  By using quarters, it’s easier to shift things around as life presents challenges.  Post your plan where you see it easily as a reminder to stay on track.

Be as realistic as possible – but stretch a little.  I’m just now tackling a yearly plan and my conscience is clear.

You may not stay on the exact track you planned.  But you’ll surely think more clearly and accomplish more with a thoughtful approach.  It’s not safe to rely on memory, good intentions, or past performance.

Keep moving.  I had one photo album for a child left.  You may recall I intended to finish those a few years ago.  I didn’t.  Last year it was to be in the first quarter.  I had to add another album and actually finished just in time to decorate the table for Christmas dinner.  Did I meet my quarterly goal?  Not even close.  Nor my previous goal.  Are they done?  Yes!!  Am I thrilled?  Yes!!  I’m so happy!  The thing that kept me moving was the quarterly goals posted by my closet door.  It was the kind of year I had to completely drop several big goals.  But I kept plugging on the album.  Hallelujah!  Rejoice!

Evaluate and Adjust.  Along the way you may decide to change your original plans.  I have decided not to do the same kind of albums for my husband and me.  I’m going to buy archival boxes and dividers and drop the pictures in there.  Good enough.  Time for other things.  I’m excited to ponder the quarters…

Where will you post your quarterly plan?