2011 has been a year of dramatic change for many. World news has been dominated with natural disasters, dictatorships being toppled, and economic crisis.
For an interesting review check out Google’s Zeitgeist 2011: Year In Review.
In New Zealand 2011 has also been a year of roller coaster emotions. Winning the Rugby World Cup was a huge buzz, but with Earthquakes in Christchurch still occurring the world is anything but stable, certain and reliable.
How do we make goals when the way ahead is uncertain?
I believe that the most important area for goal setting is in the area of relationships.
Jesus talked about this many times. Matthew 22:34-40; Luke 12:13-21
Here are my top 5 pointers.
1. Have a relationship with the one who doesn’t change
I the LORD do not change. Malachi 3:6
In this time of turbulent change people are having to make decisions and choices about what they rely on. How much do you rely on yourself or others to get you through the tough times? In uncertain times a Psalmist sings a song.
God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
though its waters roar and foam
and the mountains quake with their surging.Psalm 46
Make your choice now, today, have God as your sure foundation. Memorise and meditate on these scriptures. They will be anchors for your life.
2. Look back
Reflect back over the year for those things that have filled your cup and those that have drained your cup (for a free resource to do this become a subscriber). Achievements and successes. Failures and struggles. In particular look at the relationships you have.
· What relationships have filled your cup with life?
· What ones have drained you?
· Are there any patterns to how you have been filled or drained?
3. Look forward
Our past is often a very good predictor of our future, so having looked back to where you have been, now look ahead and ask yourself these questions.
· What relationships are absolutely vital? One’s you must enhance for the sake of the other person as well as yourself?
· What relationships do you need to let go of?
4. Think small achievable goals that you can do
A couple of little proverbs to help.
- ‘Little by little, one walks far.’ Peruvian Proverb
- ‘It is possible to move a mountain by carrying away small stones.’ Chinese Proverb
Break down the long journey or the large mountain into single steps and small stones. Set yourself small achievable goals that you can do. For someone with depression it might be to just brush your teeth. It’s an achievement, it’s a step, it’s a small stone, and it’s something you can do. Just do it!
So, a question to remember.
· What can I do, with what I have, right now?
5. Review your Cup level often
I like to review my life once a week. Using the ‘Cup Fillers and Drainers’ exercise is a great way to examine how things are going. Either Daily, weekly, fortnightly, monthly or a combination of time periods.
Paul was one who faced very uncertain times. When he was in prison awaiting judgement and what would turn out to be his execution, he writes these words.
I’ve found the recipe for being happy whether full or hungry, hands full or hands empty. Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am. Philippians 4:12, 13
How do make things more certain in your life?
Barry Pearman
Image: By lonesome:cycler Creative Commons Flickr
