Five Cautions When Writing – and Trying to Live Out – Your Goals for This Year

Without question, many of us are excited about the goals we have set and the plans we have made for the new year. I have read several articles and blogs over the past two weeks about making goals and resolutions for this new year. Reading across a spectrum of sources, articles focused on Christian goal setting are not that much different than those which do focus on Christ-followers. At this point, many of us have already considered and identified key areas of focus over the coming days and months, which is certainly a valuable exercise. Goals help us focus our energy, steward our time, and live with intentionality. With these things in mind, we need to approach the process of writing our goals with wisdom and humility, recognizing the potential pitfalls that can arise for any one of us. Here are five cautions to keep in mind when writing – and trying to live out – your goals for this year.

1. Don’t Leave God Out of Your Plans

This is the biggest and greatest danger in goal-setting – making plans without considering God and HIs plan. In his very practical book on living life for God’s glory, James warns us against boasting about our plans without acknowledging God’s will: “Instead you ought to say, ‘If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that’” (James 4:13-17). As you write and consider your goals, take time to pray and seek God’s wisdom. Ask Him to guide your desires and shape your plans according to His purposes. Remember, our ultimate goal is to glorify God in all that we do (1 Cor 10:31; 2 Cor 5:9).

2. Beware of Overloading Yourself with Too Many Great Ideas

It is easy to get carried away with goal-setting, creating an exhaustive list of things you want to accomplish. While your ambition can be good – and even commendable – overloading yourself with too many goals can lead to burnout, frustration, and discouragement. Thankfully, God provides grace for each step and works in the background as we seek to honor Him. Solomon writes, “The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps” (Prov 16:9). Strive to limit yourself to focus on a few meaningful, achievable goals that align with God’s priorities for your life. Try to leave room for flexibility, knowing that God may adjust your plans as the year unfolds.

3. Don’t Neglect Your Biblical Priorities

In the busyness of life, it’s tempting to focus on goals related to career, finances, or personal achievements while neglecting your spiritual growth . Jesus reminds us  to “seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness” (Matt 6:33). As you consider your goals, consider how you will prioritize time in God’s Word, prayer, and fellowship with other believers. Spiritual growth is foundational and impacts every other area of your life, not just this year but for years to come as well.

4. Guard Against Self-Centered Goals

Our culture often promotes a “me-first” mindset, encouraging us to focus on what will make us as individuals most happy or successful. While it’s not wrong to pursue personal growth, we must guard against setting goals that are purely (or even mostly) self-centered. Paul challenges us to consider others in every aspect of life, which includes in our plans: “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves” (Phil 2:3-4). Think about how your goals reflect Christ’s love and serve others. For example, instead of simply striving for career advancement, consider how your work can bless your family, coworkers, church family, or community.

5. Be Realistic About Your Limitations

It’s important to recognize that you are human, with limited time, energy, and resources. Setting unrealistic goals can lead to unnecessary and complicating feelings of shame, frustration, and failure. Thankfully, God provides us grace to help us grow as He helps according to His plan (Phil 2:12-13). Also, thankfully, God understands our weaknesses and pressures better than we do (Heb 4:14-16). As we recently wrote about, God knows us because we are created and made in His image, “For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust” (Ps 103:14). Therefore, when setting and considering your goals, be honest about what you can realistically accomplish in this season of life. Consider your current responsibilities, physical health, and realistic capacity. Give yourself grace, trusting that God’s strength is made perfect in your weakness (2 Cor 12:9).

A Final Word on Goal-Setting and Evaluating Your Goals

Setting goals and then considering them are valuable tools for living intentionally, but it must be done with wisdom, humility, and a focus on God’s glory. As you continue to plan and consider your plan for the year ahead, take time to pray, seek God’s guidance through His Word, and reflect on these cautions. Trust that He will direct your steps and accomplish His purposes in your life. Let each one of us make this a year where our goals reflect a heart surrendered to Christ and a desire to serve Him faithfully.