Josh Whitehead » Goals

Resolutions or Resolve

Josh — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 12:18:21 +0000

By now, you have probably thought about making some resolutions for 2010. And, you are probably thinking about the same things that you have thought in previous years – losing weight, creating a budget to curb overspending, praying more or being more compassionate. Honestly, you can look back over the past few years and see that you have made resolutions, but very little has changed in your life. You are still struggling with your weight, overspending and spending little time in prayer. So, maybe you should try something new.

Although they are from the same root word, there is a huge difference between resolutions and resolve. Take a look:

Resolution: noun. a formal expression of opinion or intention made.

Resolve: verb. to come to a definite or earnest decision about; determine (to do something)

If you read the definitions of resolution, you have to use the word resolve to give it any forceful meaning. Resolutions are made all the time with no action ever taken.

Yet, when we resolve to do something, we have made a decision to make a change. It’s not something we are toying around with – it’s done in our minds.

What have you made resolutions about in 2010? Now, stop. Take a look at that list or go over it in your head. What do you have resolve about that will change – no matter what the cost? If you have that in mind, you see how life will be different at the end of 2010. If you cannot think of anything, you will end this year the same way as last year.

Ask God to change your resolutions into resolve.

2 weeks out

Josh — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 06:00:46 +0000

You are 2 weeks out from another new beginning. 2 weeks away from the chance to set new goals. 2 weeks away from another opportunity to grow personally and spiritually. 2 weeks out to make the right start in a new decade.

So, have you started setting goals yet? Are you developing a plan to achieve the goals that you set? You’re only 2 weeks out!

Let me encourage you to consider:

Spiritual Disciplines – time in God’s Word, prayer, fasting, silence, solitude and Sabbath. Personally, I plan on reading the entire Bible through once, the New Testament 4 times, fasting 12 days, taking a prayer retreat and studying the book of 1 John.

Dreams – have you considered what dreams you want to achieve in your life? Where do you start in 2010? Consider reading The Dream Manager by Matthew Kelly over the holidays. Personally, I am developing short-term (less than 1-year), mid-term (2-5 years) and long-term (more than 5 years) dreams. You can read my review of the book here.

Family - how are you developing your family? Do you have a plan for mentoring your children? How will you and your spouse grow together? Personally, I am looking to begin a planned study time with my daughter (she’s 3 & your kids are never to young) and we are clarifying our family values.

Friends – have you developed relationships with friends? As our kids get older, it gets easier to have time for friends. Personally, I want to develop deeper relationships with our friends.

2 weeks. 14 days. 336 hours. 20,160 minutes. 1,209,600 seconds – and it will be time to start another year. What have you wasted in this one? Don’t waste any more time – make decisions, develop a plan and become the person that God desires for you to be.

What have I missed?

The end (of the year) is near

Josh — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 03:06:16 +0000

No, I am not making a prediction on when Christ will return. That really seems trivial since He Himself said that He didn’t know the time!

However, the end of the year is right around the corner – and you need to get to work. You set goals for this year, you had a plan, but did you hit your goals? If you are honest, you probably didn’t. So, let’s get busy evaluating the year. What worked, what didn’t work, and what needs to be carried over into next year?

Here are some things to consider:

Did you write your goals down? If you didn’t, you will never achieve them. Goals must be written down and shared with others if you are going to accomplish them. Start now writing down possible goals for 2010.
Did you develop a plan? All goals need a plan if you will accomplish them. Take the possible goals for 2010 and begin to develop a plan. If you do not know how to do this, google the topic and see if someone else can help you create a plan.
Did you review your goals? To accomplish your goals, you must review them at least weekly. They should become a part of you. Develop a journal or place where you track your goals.
Did you celebrate successes? I stink at this one! Confession: I really don’t celebrate well. Seriously. I’m just not big on parties (particularly surprise parties!). But, you should celebrate!

With the holidays coming, take time to think about what God wants to do in your life in 2010. I’ll give you more thoughts in the weeks to come.

Inside FPC: Objectives, Strategic Steps, Evals & Budgets

Josh — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 05:00:55 +0000

Over the past few years we have worked to standardize our process to have everyone work to create Objectives, solidified by Strategic Steps to accomplish objectives, that leads to a clear Evaluation. The budget falls in line in the process above. We have used resources from ministries like Granger Community Church and corporations like Alcoa Aluminum – always adding our own touch. Let’s see if I can make all of this work and help you in your ministry.

Step 1 – Creating Objectives. Our ministry changes so quickly, sometimes setting firm 3-year goals seems a little pointless. This year we are creating objectives for our ministry areas that will be used for growth and accountability. You’ll want to look at this: Ministry Objectives 2010
Step 2 – Strategic Steps. Each objective needs strategic steps to be accomplished. We are looking for 2 key steps for each objective. Here’s the form we are using for this: Strategic Step 2010
Step 3 – Evaluation Form. Each team leader will place the results of Step 1 and Step 2 into the Evaluation Form: Eval Form 2010 They will be able to track results, struggles, etc on this form.
Step 4 – Budgets. The Strategic Steps form links to the budget. Knowing your objectives and steps will make budgeting easier.

As a Senior Leadership Team, we will review these areas to ensure that we are headed in the right direction and set goals for the entire church. It’s all working together. Now, we just need something web-based to track it all!

What do you see that we have missed? What can we do better or who do you know that has a better process?