After the Christmas tree has been taken down and the Hanukkah and Kwanza candles blown out, our thoughts turn to the new year. The earth has made a full rotation around the sun, and we are at the beginning of a new cycle. We gaze into the distance and wonder, what opportunities, possibilities, tragedies will the year bring? What hand will fate deal us? The terms fate and destiny are often used interchangeable, but the American Heritage dictionary defines fate as the force or power that predetermines events. While destiny is defined as an individual's inevitable course of events. On the other hand, we all have free will, the ability to make choices that affect our destiny.
Although fate and destiny play important roles in what the future holds for you, never underestimate the power of your intentions. Intention is defined as a plan of action, or an aim that guides direction. Through intentions we exercise free will. Intentions become more powerful when they are written. A written intention or plan of action can be a great road map -- a guide that will focus your energies and help you to achieve your goals. So when you imagine the future, consider what your intentions are.
Some people use New Year's resolutions to set their intentions. However, resolutions are generally too vague and undefined. For example, your resolution might be, "to lose weight". Then the questions become how much weight are you going to lose, how are you going to lose it, and by when. If you are serious about harnessing your intentions, set goals that are SMART.
Specific
Measureable
Attainable
Relevant
Time-Related
A well written goal provides answers to what, when and how. Here is an example of a goal written in specific terms:
By June 1, I plan to lose ten pounds by adding more fresh vegetables to my diet, eating red meat only once a week, and exercising five times a week for 20-30 minutes each time.
Goals should not be boring or tedious. To set goals that are exciting and rewarding, make sure they reflect your life's purpose - the thing which you were born to do. If you love to travel and want to fly to Spain this year, set a goal that includes important details like how you plan to pay for the trip and when you plan to leave. If you want to change your career or start a business, set goals that include taking classes to build your skills, or creating a business plan. To stay on track, review your goals monthly or quarterly.
In Philippians 3-13, the Apostle Paul exhorts his followers to set goals and manage their time wisely.
Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended, but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth toward those things which are before.
Goal setting will help you to define your intentions, manage your time, and exercise free will as your future unfolds.
