Tensions started to rise as my husband and I shared our perspectives on a very personal and emotional topic. The economic pressures of our times required us to make yet another adjustment in our budget. We already live pretty frugal lives, so the thought of tightening our belt in line-items that directly impact some of our core values was . . . heart-wrenching. The discussion hit a wall, and we needed time to pray and to process what the other said.
As I continued to get ready for my day, I replayed the conversation in my mind, reliving each segment of it. Until it happened. My thoughts were interrupted with a question. A question that was clearly not a thought of mine in that moment, but rather one from the Holy Spirit. The question was so direct, clear, and simple that it stopped me in my tracks. “What is my why?” Why would we choose to do this? I began to list off my reasons, and after each one, clarity began to form, the fog started to lift, and I experienced a perspective shift. I felt empowered to walk out our long-term goal even if it wasn’t a popular choice by others’ standards, or would be difficult to navigate.
I share this story because goal-setting can be an effective way to help nurture growth and to facilitate change in our lives. A well thought-out and detailed goal will help us envision our future and provide an end point. But establishing our “whys” behind the goals will empower us to persevere when we hit difficult times along our journey to success.
So I ask you, as you look to the new year and set some new goals, what is your “why” behind your goal?