We think too small when setting pondering life purpose and goals. Perhaps we can’t see ourselves accomplishing something really big or having a dramatic impact on the world around us. Our vision for living is myopic.
Purpose and vision for living must be of such size as to require faith for it to be achieved. I have described vision as “a goal or dream given by God that is so big only He can make it happen.” And, in time and space, He has chosen to make it happen through humankind.
But when mere mortals dream the dream, clarify their purpose, see the vision, the experience may be overwhelming. We cannot possibly see how it can come to pass. This sense of being small before a great task is at once intimidating and evidence that the task has more divine proportions. We set a smaller goal that we believe we can achieve and thus requires little or no faith.
What are we to do? Here’s tip #2:
Embrace big goals and move toward them step by step.
You may recall these maxims:
How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time. (unknown)
The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. (Chinese proverb).
- Determine the simplest way (strategy) to get to your big goal. Give yourself permission to do this as best you know it in the present moment. Try to avoid second guessing yourself. Be open to adjustments.
- Identify some intermediate goals and benchmarks along the simplest way (still strategy). Be sure to make them SMART.
- Identify ways you can move toward the intermediate goals and benchmarks (tactics)?
- Choose a first step.
- Take the step. Until you do this, you are in a world of “I might” and “I’ll try” versus “I will.” The second step will come clearer as you take the first. Make decisions in light of the bigger picture and SMART goals that contribute to it. Forget the rest of the noise and clutter vying for your attention, time, and resources. Keep walking.
“When we come to the edge of all the light we have and take that step into the darkness of the unknown, We must believe that one of two things will happen: There will be something solid to for us to stand on or God will teach us how to fly.” — Patrick Overton
Take courage, take a deep breath, and take a step.
What helps you most to move decisively toward your goals?
What helps you gather courage to take the step?
Beginning February 1, FCC Paris will begin a weekly high school youth gathering. (Eventually we’ll call it Bible study, but these particular students need some time to just share their stories.) It’s been at least five years, maybe more, since an active youth group was meeting regularly. That means starting from scratch. My dream is to have 40-50 high school kids and 20-30 junior high kids. Right now we are averaging between 85-95 in worship. It’s seems like a huge goal when I have four committed right now. First step – I’m going to the local high school on Friday to eat lunch and start meeting some friends of my two “church” students. We’ll see what step two is and what it brings.
Congratulations on a first step! Keep one foot moving in front of the other, even when both seem heavy.