Dreams with a Deadline
Hey there! Let's chat about goals, because really, they're just dreams with a deadline. When you're chasing something in life, you're either moving forward or falling behind—there's no standing still! You know how some desires are good, but they're so vague they never really go anywhere? That's because they're not measurable and don't have a deadline.
Some goals are just good ideas, but if they don't have a clear target or a time frame, are they really achievable?
Unfortunately if a deadline is absent, they end up being more like wishes than actual goals.
God’s word gives us direction on how to be SMART as a writer-preneur. Goals need to be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound.
As a coach, I’ve seen so many people write down goals like "be a better person" or "grow in faith" - and while those are beautiful intentions, they're too fuzzy to act on. It's like trying to navigate to a destination without an address! Real, achievable goals need two key ingredients: a clear roadmap (the "how") and a finish line (the “when").
Look at how Paul approached this - he wasn't vague about it at all. In Philippians 3:14, he talks about "pressing toward the goal" like an athlete with their eye on the prize. And in 1 Corinthians 9:24-25, he compares it to running a race - not aimlessly, but with serious purpose. But here's the beautiful twist: he's not chasing after earthly trophies that'll just collect dust. He's pursuing something eternal - that heavenly crown that comes from following God's calling. Using those beautiful gifts that God has given you as a writer. And here's the thing - God's totally on board with you achieving great things! He just wants those achievements pointed in the right direction - toward things that last forever.
When it comes to setting these goals, there's a framework to follow.
Everything should align with God's Word (2 Timothy 3:14-17) and reflect Christ's mindset (Philippians 2:5)(1 Timothy 4:12-16).
Here's a practical checklist for goal-setting in your business as an writer/author.
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Make them specific enough to measure (Hebrews 6:10)
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Keep them realistic (Philippians 3:13-14)
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Create a solid action plan (1 Corinthians 9:24-27)
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Set aside dedicated time (Acts 20:24)
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Include a way to measure success (2 Timothy 4:7)
Want to know how to make it happen? Here's the game plan:
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Start with prayer - ask God for direction (Proverbs 3:5-6)
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Get clear on your objectives (Psalm 37:23-24)
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Map out your strategy (Proverbs 16:9)
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Plan your timing (like those wise folks in 1 Chronicles 12:32)
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Figure out your time and money needs
At the end of the day, our biggest goal as Christians is to love the Lord God with our whole heart mind and soul, and love other’s as we love ourselves.
The directions for this mandate are all laid out for us so succinctly ::
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Understanding what matters most to Him (Matthew 22:36-40)
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Learning His principles (Psalm 119:105)
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Following His plans (Psalm 16:7-11)
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Measuring progress His way (Galatians 6:3-4)
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Trusting His help (Philippians 1:6)
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Handling obstacles His way (Psalm 37:4-9)
So, what kind of dreams are you ready to put a deadline on today?
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