Goal setting can be both motivating and deflating. As I write out my goals I think about the end results and the amazing feeling that will come when I reach each of them. Then reality comes into the mix, reaching my goals get hard and when my expectations aren’t met I feel like a failure. It’s a wonder why anyone sets goals.
Going after goals isn’t a fools game, they are meant to stretch and challenge us. If we really want to start reaching our goals we need to change the focus from what we want to do to, to how we get there. Instead of worrying about the goal focus on the habits that you have in your life.
As a church worker, I know there are several habits I need to embrace when entering into a new year. Here are five I’m looking to address:
Focusing On My Relationship With Christ
If you are spiritually empty then it’s going to be a struggle to inspire others to follow Christ. That doesn’t mean you have to be perfect, but constantly look at ways you can be filled with His Grace.
Don’t be afraid to change up your spiritual disciplines. Find a spiritual director or mentor to guide you through. What is important is that your relationship with Christ isn’t just a job, but a part of who you are. While it seems like a given, it’s important to name it and remind ourselves that God comes first and everything will follow.
Learning How To Say, “No” Correctly
It’s not that I have an annunciation problem, I just have a “I don’t want anyone to be disappointed in me.” problem mixed with a “I’m afraid on missing on this opportunity” issue. I have issues with YES because I want people to be pleased with me, but the problem is that you cannot please everyone.
We are also limited and even if we believe we can squeeze more into our schedule the reality is that we just end up pushing something else to the side. To utilize the power of no means having an awareness of what matters most and what you have the capacity to do and that leads me to the next habit of:
Tracking My Time And Energy
I once had a client who projected that he worked about 50 hours a week. I asked him to list out the different things he was doing and towards the end it felt like even that number was lower than reality. We had him track his hours for 4 weeks and it came back that he was actually working 80 hours a week. It created a conversation where we could help him reorganize his time and find a healthier balance.
There is so much to track that it can get overwhelming, but two tools that have helped me is RESCUE TIME (click HERE for more), which helps monitor my screen time and the MONK MANUAL (click HERE for more) which allows me to process tasks and to-do’s. By knowing where my time is spent and how I feel I’m able to make small adjustments that lead to a larger impact.
Taking Physical Health Seriously
You don’t have to be a seasoned veteran to know the physical toll that ministry can have on one’s body. Plus, if you are like me you are an emotional eater and working for the church gets very emotional. If I’m not eating and sleeping right I will become lethargic. If I don’t workout I’m exhausted trying to keep up with teens. You don’t have to be a health nut, but you do have to make sure you are doing your best to care for your body.
I know it’s not as simple as saying, “Eat this.” or “Try this workout.” In fact, the best tool that I can recommend is accountability. Surround yourself with people who can ask you about your health, see your doctor regularly and don’t tackle it alone. Just like ministry, caring for your body means increasing your ability to do this for a long time.
Investing In The Leader I Want To Be
There are a lot of church workers I meet that will pour into the people they serve, but rarely will they invest in themselves. A leader that invests in themselves is one that makes time to read, listen to podcasts, take classes, jump into courses and attend conferences. Leaders that are dedicated to learning are ones that are open to God shaping them to be the person He’s called them to be.
While every leader should have a budget you don’t have to break the bank. There are plenty of leadership books you can get from the library, and blogs and podcasts with great information. However, you should count the costs, talk with your pastor or business manager and advocate on your behalf. You are worth the investment.
As you head into the new year set some goals, but don’t forget about the habits you have in your life. If you are in a season where you have some stability don’t be afraid to invest in those around you. Marathon Youth Ministry offers coaching and consulting to help you reach your goals. To learn more click on the button below.
What habits are you looking to change in the new year?
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