Has it been seven weeks since you drafted your 2018 New Year’s Resolutions, with a firm determination to complete what was in your heart to accomplish? How are you doing? Are you on track? Or have you relegated these to the scrap bin, ready to go at it once more, when the timing is right (whenever that might be).

Most resolutions tend to fall within the realm of “wish lists”. The intent is to achieve goals but for many of us, if there is not an action plan and a monitoring of that plan, they simply fall by the wayside.

The acronym SMART is often used to as tool for the setting of goals.

• S – Specific. Goals should be specific, clear and well-defined.
• M – Measurable. Goals need mile markers attached to them so that you stay focused and can track how far you have traveled. Goals need a time table by which progress can be measured.
• A – Attainable. Goals need to stretch us and move us beyond our comfort zone. They are designed to grow us.
• R- Relevant. Goals should be both consistent with the values you espouse and the direction you want your life to take. By keeping goals aligned with this, you will develop the focus you need to get ahead and do what you want. Set widely scattered and inconsistent goals, and you will fritter your time – and your life – away.
• T- Time Bound. Every goal needs a date associated with it. When do you plan to deliver on that goal? It could be by year end or it could be a nearer time frame. A goal without a date is just a dream. Make sure that every goal has a beginning and an end.

It seems redundant to say that “living life purposefully requires that a life be lived with purpose” but true nonetheless. Having manageable, directed markers will prevent us from wasting time. Meaningful goals will keep one from simply counting paper clips, to living lives that are proactive and productive.

Then the question is this: “What goals have you set? How are you doing in bringing these about? At the end of 2018, will you be able to say that you have achieved what you set out to do?”

My personal goals are these.

• Have my third book, “When Powers Clash“, published by the end of March. I have already written it and am currently editing. Will be available on Amazon. Theme revolves around a pastor’s family, angels, etc.
• My fourth book, “Mentoring, Moving People Forward,” is already written. Will be out by mid-May.
• I am researching two more. One that will be my sequel to “The Coming Storm“. The second is about the Black Watch, the 42nd Battalion, CEF, from the First World War called, “A Private’s Journey: To Hell and Back”.

My oversight responsibilities with Foundation Canada/Hands for Humanity keeps me busy as the work has increased exponentially, We have added works in the Ukraine, Romania, Guatemala, Nicaragua and Bolivia, plus the other countries I work with. These are also in addition to my Missionary Care responsibilities in various parts of the world. My work is strictly a faith ministry, in which I raise my own support,. Yet it fulfills my passion, doing what I love to do, “helping people live life to its fullest”.

But if I do not set out realistic goals and work towards them, I will never achieve what I need and want to do. Neither will you.

This is how I encourage others to live. “Be bold about your dreams. Let your vision be much greater than you could ever imagine in your human strength. Be courageous about moving into your future. Do not allow timidity or fear diminish who you are created to be. And press on. Your future awaits“.

Blessings!