Has Traditional Goal Setting Not Worked for You? Try this Instead!

How many times have we set big, exciting goals in January, only to forget about them by March? I know I’ve been there more times than I can count. The new year brings a rush of excitement—new beginnings, fresh vision, and ambitious goals. But by the time summer rolls around, those goals often become little more than reminders of what we haven't been working on.

One day, while chatting with my cousin about my goals, he asked me a simple but powerful question: “When will it be enough?” At that moment, I realized I wasn’t fully reaching all of my goals. Sure, I was making progress, but that question stopped me in my tracks. When will I feel like I’m enough? In other words, when will I stop measuring my worth by my achievements, and realize that I am enough, regardless of whether or not I hit all my goals?

That’s when it hit me—the problem might not be us, it could be the system. We’re constantly told to aim higher, chase our dreams, and reach for bigger goals. But what they don’t often mention is the cost: we can easily fall into the trap of thinking that achieving a goal or hitting a milestone is the ultimate endpoint. We forget that the real value lies in the journey itself—who we become in the process, not just the accolades we collect.

Take Saul, for example. His journey on the road to Damascus turned him into Paul, one of the most influential leaders in the New Testament. It wasn’t the destination that defined him, but the road he walked and the transformation he experienced along the way. It was the journey—and his purpose—that mattered, not his performance.

Chasing goals with a performance-driven mindset can lead to burnout, guilt, and a sense of failure. It focuses solely on what we’re doing, not who we’re becoming. And worst of all, it leaves little space for God’s divine flow and guidance. We end up caught in a cycle of doing without truly becoming the people God has called us to be.

So it’s time to shift our mindset from “What do I want to accomplish?” to “Who is God calling me to become?” Rather than just chasing our ambitions, let’s ask how we can align our goals with God’s vision for our lives.

Here’s how to shift your approach for a more meaningful month:

1. Monthly Check-In with God: Ask yourself: What is my focus for this month? (ex. health, mindset, etc)

2. Journal with these questions:

• What is God inviting me to do?

• What do I need to release or let go of?

• What small step of obedience can I take today?

By grounding our plans in prayer and seeking God’s discernment, we create space for His will to shape our path. Remember, it’s not about failure—it’s about rethinking your approach and finding a fresh perspective. You’re already enough, and God’s purpose for you is far greater than just checking off a to-do list.

Weekly Scripture

"Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people."

Colossians 3:23

Our Favorite Things!

• Sign up for our free Esther Fast Devotional on the Bible App HERE

  

  
  
  
  

Get Connected

• Follow Morgan on Instagram for Daily Inspiration and behind-the-scenes clips @MorganTracyJ