How to Achieve Your Goals this Year

Tired of setting goals you never hit? In this episode, we’re talking about how to set meaningful goals, plan for the year ahead, and prioritize seeking God first in everything!

Many people now recognize the importance of discerning God’s will for the new year. It’s encouraging to see more individuals becoming intentional about planning ahead. Conduct strategic planning in advance, emphasizing that people are realizing the value of doing the same for their personal lives.

Just as businesses prepare through strategic planning well in advance, individuals are starting to adopt the same mindset for their personal lives. People are realizing, 'I need to plan for my life too.' Discerning God's will ensures that these plans align with His purpose, giving direction and meaning to the year ahead."

Similarly, Pastor Mike observed that this growing trend of reflection and foresight helps individuals align their plans with God’s purpose, fostering a deeper sense of direction and clarity for the year ahead.

Discerning God's will ensures that these plans align with His purpose, giving direction and meaning to the year ahead. This is so important because it helps us avoid wasting our lives. As the saying goes, 'If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.'"

How to start the year?

**1) Pause and be still**

To truly discern His will, however, people need to pause, be still, and let go of the busyness and distractions of life. As Pastor Mike said, 'If you want to know His will, you have to know Him first.' Taking time to focus on God is the first step to planning a purposeful and fulfilling year."

**2) Seek God and see His sovereignty**

Revival isn’t just an emotional experience—it’s a complete transformation. It begins in our heart and can extend to our home, our church, and even to our world. It’s about restoring our first love for God, developing a deep desire for His Word, and addressing the areas of your life that need healing.
Look around and see God’s sovereign hand in everything. Sometimes, we get so caught up in a tunnel vision of our own concerns that we fail to notice the bigger picture of His work all around us. Recognizing His presence and control over every detail helps us trust Him fully and seek Him with all our hearts.

**3) Slow down**

Walking with the Lord means intentionally spending time with Him— **we cannot be like Jesus if we have not been with Jesus (JP)**. It’s a step of faith to slow down, to wait on the Lord, and to trust that He is in control. If we truly believe that the God we worship—the true God—is the One who holds all things together, upholds all creation, and exists outside of time, then we can rest assured that our life is in His hands.

Planning to share the Gospel? What to do first?

**1)Learn to listen more**

We have two ears and one mouth for a reason—listen more than we speak. By paying attention and truly listening, we open ourselves up to wisdom, understanding, and connection, rather than just filling the space with words.

**2) Be Christlike**

Strive to reflect the character and love of Christ in your actions, words, and thoughts. By living with compassion, humility, and grace, you embody the essence of who He is and draw others closer to His example.

**3) Intentionality first**

Being purposeful in our actions, decisions, and relationships is key. It’s about making thoughtful choices that align with our values and priorities, rather than reacting impulsively. More likely it is that intentionality is one of the most powerful things we can embrace, especially in 2025, as we lean into the wisdom that God has given us.

As believers, our lives should be a reflection of His heart, pointing people back to the source of that love—Jesus Himself.

Being lost is a call to seek Him first. In our moments of confusion and uncertainty, God invites us to turn to Him. He is our guide, our anchor, and the source of all wisdom and direction.

This year let’s use these moments to realign our hearts with His purpose, teaching us that true clarity and peace come not from figuring things out on our own but from seeking Him wholeheartedly. To be lost is to be reminded that He is our ultimate guide, always ready to lead us back to where we need to be.