Effective Goal Setting for Success

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

Goal Setting

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Goal setting is about success. Therefore, do not just wing it! Do not hope to reach your mark if you have no goal in sight. One of the many definitions of the word “wing” is to guide, soar, or travel. On the other hand, “to wing it” means to improvise; to do something without proper preparation. Do athletes who run for the prize, wing it? Is their pursuit based on total hope? No! While they may improvise for a shortcoming, it is only to support the goal.

Let’s talk. These are a list of 10 questions I have for you.

Is this something that you choose to do?
Why is this important to you?
How much of your time are you willing to invest?
Are the resources immediately available?
How will you continuingly find or replenish your resources?
Will you do this project even if you do not reap monetary benefits as you dream of?
Who is your inner circle?
Is the plan more beneficial to others than to you personally?
Where or how do you seek encouragement?
What is the research?

Now, you are ready to plan for a goal! Your answers to the above questions help in planning a goal(s). Even still, it is normal to have more questions in startup than answers. That is the reason for great research. Why goals? Goals begin with questions and finding answers.

Goals – A Great Startup Plan – EEPA

Establishes Priorities

Establishes a point of Reference

Provides Measurement

Accountability

Today, is not an ordinary day for you. First, goal setting establishes priorities. It is a starting place. It does not mean that things cannot change; in fact, some flexibility is warranted. Second, goal setting establishes a point of reference. Referring to a goal as a point of reference will help in defining a way forward. In addition, a goal provides measurement – one can define the distance between, for example, point A to point B. Thus, accountability becomes a measuring factor of goal setting.

The Mission Impossible for Empowerment

Empowerment becomes apparent. It derives because of the mission or goal. Without a mission or goal, one does not have the empowerment to change what needs to be changed. Without the willingness to change, the result is complacency and wasted time. The person will find himself or herself standing still in one place too long. To coin a phrase, “you are going in circles,” which means you are marking time with little or no achievement. Moreover, empowerment brings a degree of satisfaction as the person completes the task during the journey. Task-oriented goals meet the moment for the next step in the process. Smaller tasks empower the person until the goal is met.

A Force of Nature

You are a force of nature! The moment of NOW is to realize that if not NOW then WHEN? To meet the moment or not meet the moment begins with your mindset. In other words, what drives an individual to soar or wing it? What is the difference between the one who flies or wings it? Be true to what you are feeling. The power of trustworthiness! God entrusts you to complete what He has authorized within you before you were born. You are an olive tree to bear fruits (Jeremiah 11:16). The believer’s trust is not in himself or herself; rather, it is in a greater, higher power.

Final Thoughts

In a similar way, each year, millions encounter the desire to set goals. For example, yearly, people target goals for self-improvement. These might include personal and work goals. In comparison, you have been called to this mission because it takes a person with purpose and who do not mind the hard work that it takes to complete the tasks. That is, you! If the task was easy, then you would not have been chosen. The mission calls for you! It is greater than you! God will equip you for the mission. Yes, one gets weary. That is to remind you of the need of Him through the process. God’s chosen people are given large jobs! God sends a person weighing 25 pounds to pick up an object weighing 125 pounds.

If the shoe fits, you must wear it to accomplish the goals!

For more information about goal setting, meet Dr. Erin of “BetterUp Blogs.” From our blog pages, we suggest:

September 5, 2024

Leadership Choices – Part I

Estimated reading time: 2 minutes

Leadership choices! Jake is a leader. He also has a supervisor, Adam. Their department consists of both believers and a few non-believers. Each day, Jake starts his morning with a prayer. He asks for wisdom in his leadership of others, compassion and strength at home and work. He prays for those whom he leads and those who leads him.

In the past months, Jake has witnessed his immediate supervisor operate with intimidation and untruths. Adam has expressed to Jake that this is the way things are done in the world of business if you want to get ahead.

Today, Jake and Adam have been asked to meet with Susan, the Department Head. The meeting has been called because of the seriousness of a complaint from a fellow colleague. Jake has been named as a witness in the co-worker’s complaint. Neither Jake nor Adam knows all the details of the complaint. It is a fact-finding investigation by Susan.

Leadership Dealing with Complaints

As a leader, Jake’s leadership choices should be simple. Right? Will he be able to with stand further pressures of Adam? Moreover, Jake understands that a fact-finding situation is intrusive. There is no leadership workshop that prepares a leader in these circumstances.

Comparatively, Adam often speaks as one who holds grudges. It is a deserving reward for others.

How much in this fact-finding mission should Jake share? Will his choices hurt others? Undoubtedly, there is no decision that Jake will choose, which will not have consequences? Jake ponders, “loyalty and kindness.” Ultimately, does loyalty belong to man or God? What will Jake or Adam do in the end?

Follow Jake through this process. Check other blog posts that support effectiveness and choices. We suggest:

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July 5, 2024

Leadership Choices – Part II

Estimated reading time: 2 minutes

Servant Leadership NOW: "Stepping Up Your Leadership Call"

As previously stated, you have a leadership choice. As Jake sat outside of Susan’s office, waiting to be called, he pondered as to what questions Susan might ask. What will be the consequences for Adam and Jake? Jake’s thinking process is, “I am not “home-free. I did not report incidences to Susan. It is true that I spoke to Adam about my concerns. On the other hand, perhaps this made Adam feel more powerful. Afterall, Adam’s attitude and responses about the way he conducted business, did not seem to change.

Perhaps, I could have handled matters differently; but what were my options? Adam is my supervisor. I pray for him every day as I do for everyone in the department! Now, here I sit…waiting to be questioned by the Department Head. “I don’t want to say anything that will cause additional problems, but I have to be honest about what I witnessed; perhaps, I won’t even have to volunteer information.”

Decision-making

Even more so, who is the co-worker? Is it someone who had questioned me about my faith? Is it someone who thinks that all of this “organized religion” is hogwash? Afterall, that was said to me. Yet, there are believers in the organization who have me to privately pray for personal situations. More importantly, I try to respect believers and non-believers. They are all co-workers. I do not push my beliefs on others. Why did the person not come to him? Jake has so many questions but very few answers. Susan has the answer to some of my questions, but will she share them with me?

Foremost, was Jake’s decision to only speak with Adam a bad one? Will Jake’s action costs him respect among the workers on his job? This is troubling. Choices in leadership, good or bad, it happens. May be giving up the position is my choice too.

Suddenly, it hit Jake. “I am thinking more about myself than the worker. They for whatever reason, had to make a decision, as well.

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July 5, 2024

Your Leadership Journey: Embracing Accountability

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

Okay I get it! You are not happy with your calling – your appointment. I cannot blame you. Leadership means accountability. Who wants to be accountable! Most people would prefer a carefree, responsible-LESS lifestyle (if there is such a word). On the other hand, you are in this. Even though, you know that this is your assignment, you are feeling uneasy. Here is your checkpoint: consider reading more of our wellness blogs, i.e., below, as a start on your journey.

From the beginning, God made man a responsible being (Genesis 2:19-20). Man had a leadership appointment. Adam named the creatures and things of the earth as God commanded him to do so. Leadership from the beginning was defined by The Creator. God called man to lead in a responsible way. He designed a helpmate for such a task (Eve). Together, they are accountable for leadership to God.

Leadership Styles

Although each person is uniquely made, there are identified style traits given to us by our Creator. For instance, leaders are called for fellowship. We are wired for it. On the other hand, you are not likely to find fellowship among the many lists about leadership styles. Yet, that is just what God had with Adam and Eve. He desires leaders to have the type of fellowship that makes us better. From the beginning, God wanted humankind to accept what He made, enjoy His fellowship and be happy (Genesis 2:4-19). Unfortunately, in spite of free-will, Adam made a terrible choice which cost him – a price that he could not repay (Genesis 3).

Second, God wants us to understand his leadership hierarchy. Be submissive to His will. We are God’s family, there is an established hierarchy as to maintain order. There must be an order because God is order. Conforming to disorder can cause devastation – as we saw in Adam and Eve’s surrender to the enemy, Genesis 3:1-6.

Compassion – A Choice

Thirdly, God’s leadership style calls for compassion – it is that grace and mercy that he gives. Summarily, this is another trait that you are most likely not to find among your leadership style lists. When leaders respond to consideration of others, it speaks to an individual’s character and integrity within. It is not a sign of weakness, but of strength and patience as you make a decision led by God. When this happens, tasks will be timely made. It is your leadership choice (My friend, Jake, found that out for himself).

“Let your leadership be in response to His grace and mercy. Lead with His direction. Be willing to stop for “red lights.” Heed the warning signs. Wait for the “green light.”

If you did not do so, reread “Servant Leadership Style: A Path to Wellness” from our list below. The team is your priority, not the other way around. How you view your team will make a difference. If you adjust your thermostat to move them forward, you will go forward. Each day, make the adjustments in your thought to move the team forward. This makes you a winner. This is your appointment. Make a note of other blog posts that mentally support your leadership choices. We recommend:

Your appointment is not your disappointment! It is about servants leading with purpose to grow and develop to meet the needs of others.

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June 24, 2024

Salvation is From God – What Type of Servant Am I?

Touching hands of two people supporting and praying as in agreement

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

Click to hear audio version of this article. Background music by DappyTKeys.

What is salvation? Salvation is a gift from God. Romans 10 reminds us that is the plan of God to save the people (Jews and non-Jewish) of this world. It is a personal choice to believe in this plan. Because of this, plan I have hope. The scripture reminds me, “God saved you (me) by his grace when you believed. And you (I) can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.” (Ephesians 2:8-9 NLT). I am so glad of the reminder that “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved (verse 13). Moreover, God’s plan of salvation shows how merciful He is toward us. Every day we receive NEW MERCY. Therefore, God’s plan for us is to show similar mercy toward others.

Blessed Are the Merciful

Jesus taught in Matthew 5 the teaching of what servants’ attitudes should be like. I have wounds and scars that you cannot see. We all do. But Jesus was wounded for our transgressions. Yes, i.e., stupidity, sins, lack of knowledge that robs others and stands in the way of their salvation.

I have been the transgressor who caused wounds in others. How? When I refused to show mercy, I caused wounds out of stupidity; yet, Jesus taught, “Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy (Matthew 5:7 NKJV).

Wounds need healing; they do not need poison. The scriptures tell of a “balm (b-a-l-m) in Gilead.” This means a healing, soothing, restoring medicine that comes through Jesus Christ. Internal wounds are the most difficult to see and appreciate. For the human, internal wounds are especially difficult to understand for they manifest outwardly through unusual human behaviors. Wounded people hurt others because they are deeply scared, fractured, broken.

You cannot treat these types of wounds with deadly poison with words and deeds. It becomes devastating and short-sighted. It is even more devastating when we as the body of Christ do it and call it the Lord’s work.

Empathy Towards Another

In revisiting the book of Jonah, I am pressed to think about empathy. You know the story of Jonah, the preacher. He was swallowed up by a great fish. Jonah stayed in the belly of the fish for three days and three nights. This was because of his disobedience to God. While in the belly of the fish, Jonah said he went down to the roots of the mountains. He sank down, but the Lord brought him up from the pit (paraphrasing Jonah 2:6). It was in a pit situation that Jonah prayed to the Lord; the Lord heard his repentance. Jonah vowed to preach, ‘Salvation comes from the Lord.’ God showed Jonah compassion. Then God caused the great fish to vomit him up to dry land (verse 10).

It is my hope that I am a compassionate one. As a young child, I remember the preached messages of destruction. They involved finger-pointing and filthy rags. These messages provoked me to fear God. Those fire and brimstone messages demoralized me as an unjust creature and deserved to go to hell. Hell was the place for the adulterer, the immoral, and the liar. It was for the thief, the unsaved, the smoker, and the drunker. Even the dancer was included. The list went on. What chance did I have?

God Perfects

Thank God for the message of “Salvation is from God.” He loves me just as I am. He is the Rock of Ages. It is the compassionate Christ that drew me to Him. His Holy Spirit will direct my path. Although I am imperfect, He is perfect, and He will perfect those things concerning me. I am not a mistake.

That is the message that this servant leader wants to share. Salvation is from God. God is love. He loves you and is faithful. God can bind up your wounds. He is our hope. Like the people of Nineveh, pray, repent, and see what God will do. He is the compassionate God who shows mercy. Because He showed me mercy, this servant leader must reciprocate.

It does not mean we will not talk about hell. But it will not be in turns of hopelessness but hope. Hell is real. But this servant knows of the Lord who the scripture declares that:

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your (His) faithfulness (Lamentations 3:22-23 New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition (NRSV).

Fore more like this one:

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April 29, 2024

Effectiveness of Your Leadership – Not Ordinary

Effectiveness of Your Leadership

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

The lake view in my backyard is a reminder. It shows that nothing is ordinary when it comes to God. He is effective and he wants that from you and me. How do you become effective in leading while following?

First, today is not ordinary because you are not ordinary. Neither is your leadership. Nowhere in this world is another like you. Your assignment is manageable. You started your day with Him first in the quietness of the morning. So, your tasks will be achievable because of your uniqueness. How can this be when it seems that tasks are overwhelming? This is because servant leaders are wired to learn how to manage tasks. The empowerment for success is a personal choice and commitment. Effectiveness of leadership begins with the mindset.

Your mindset will make the difference in your assignment. A mindset of a servant leader is about emotional intelligence. Support is a factor of decisions. Somewhere in this world, there are millions who do not have the freedom to act upon their “free will.” You, however, have in this moment to act in your ‘free will” to do what is right and just. You understand that your trust must be in God’s faithfulness and not your own.

Your Percepts of Leading

Second, your desire to complete your tasks is honorable. God favored you. By His mercy, you will operate in your gifts. Your inward drive will elevate others so that they will accomplish their tasks. It is not the large tasks that will be the most appreciative. Rather, it is the smallest tasks that complete the assignment.

Third, the provision is made. A day that is planned before your were born. God planned an extraordinary future for you. This day is just part of that future. Every day, ordinary people accomplish extraordinary things. So will you. Even in the curves, crooks, and waves, He is always there to light your pathway.

Finally, God gives empowerment that will NOT overwhelm. His Spirit wants to guide. Let him help you create and do good. You will not be led to exhaustion when you allow Him to lead. The refreshing that God gives is a fragrance. The thoughts of how to accomplish the tasks will bring soundness. You overcome the barriers that in the past, defeated you.

The Designing Leader

Now, put out your sign! There is a designing leader at work. ‘The Designer’ who knows His work of art. The one who leads you, knows every pitfall, challenge and reward coming your way. You are empowered to do good for His good. His purpose is in you, and He is not an ordinary leader.

Today is not ordinary – why should it be?

Servant Leadership NOW: "Stepping Up Your Leadership Call"

For other leadership and wellness blog posts, we recommend:

If you have an interest in more about moral and ethical behaviors in leadership, we also suggest the research article, A Moral Cleaning Process : How and When Does Unethical Pro-organizational Behavior Increase Prohibitive and Promotive Voice

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March 7, 2024