Every year in January, I take some time to write up some fresh goals for the new year.  I’m a very driven person and I love to set goals for myself and then try and reach them. 

I’ve been doing this for eight or nine years now and the main thing that I’ve learned is to set realistic goals.  I went several years setting impossible goals for myself, only to be depressed at the end of the year when I realized I had fallen miserably short of accomplishing any of them.  Now, I simply try to set goals that will be difficult (but not impossible) to reach.  I also try to be as specific as possible when I’m writing up a goal so I’ll know at the end of the year whether I accomplished that goal or not. 

One last note and then I’ll share a few of my goals for 2008.  I try to set goals in areas where I’m already having some success, but can do better.  In other words, in setting goals, I typically try to build on strengths rather than eliminate weaknesses. 

With that said, here are a few of my goals for 2008. 

·         Read 52 books.  (I’ll probably reach this goal in December if I stick to my normal routine)

·         Begin writing a book (I’ve been saying this the last couple of years, but this year, I actually feel like it will happen.  I believe that God has begun to nudge me in a certain direction, and He’s certainly given me the passion to make it happen.  Now, I just have to ask for some time off.)

·         Eat fruit.  (I know this sounds really strange, but I really want to be healthy and “Eat healthy” wasn’t a specific enough goal for me.  And just so you know, I’ve had at least an apple of banana every day this year.)

Other goals I’ve set for myself include:  take my wife out on date every other week, continue exercising four to five days a week, and take the family to Disney World again.  On top of these, I have other goals as well, but I won’t bore you with the whole list. 

One last thing.  I always try to keep in mind Proverbs 16:9, which says, “In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.” (NIV)  Never let your goals get in the way of what God wants you to do.  I know that probably goes without saying, but I know I need to remind myself regularly of the importance of this truth. 

Anyway, have you set any goals for 2008?  If so, what are they?  If not, what are you waiting for?

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