"In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps". Proverbs 16:9

How did you do with Day 4 of the Prayer and Preparation Period? Keeping pace each day means that you now have your 2026 goals in place. If not, you have time to catch up, and I am available to coach you personally. Instead of charging ahead with the additional steps, I'm led by God to provide each reader time and opportunity to set aside some extra time to join us. Remember, I mentioned at the start of this Prayer and Preparation Period that this experience will require more than just your devotional time if you are going to do it right. Please find listed below a summary of  the last four days:

Day 1: Begin with Prayer

Prayer for a Fresh Start

Pray for Divine Purpose for the New Year 

Pray for Holistic Growth (Mind, Body, Spirit, Emotions, and Soul)

Day 2: Past Reflections 

If you don't know where you've come from, how will you know where you are going? Living in the past is something you should avoid, but reflecting on the past is essential for making informed decisions about your future. Reflect upon your successes and failures by asking yourself and answering the following questions:

What goals have I accomplished this year?

What goals did I fail to achieve this year? 

Day 3: What Stays and What Goes

Prayerfully ask and answer two questions and complete one action step as follows:

Question #1

What goals have I accomplished this year?

Question #2

Which goals do I need to remove from my list? 

Action Step #1 - What Stays and What Goes

At the bottom page of your goals sheet or on the back of the page, I want you to list the goals you've prayerfully decided to remove. As you make decisions about which goals need to be removed from your list, it's not a bad idea to consult with someone who is full of wisdom and has your utmost respect. That person could be your parents, pastor, therapist, mentor, relative, and/or best friend. 

Day 4: Make Sure Your Goals Are Smart

The best way to establish goals is by ensuring each goal is SMART. SMART is an acronym we regularly use in mental health that means:

S - Specific: Know what you will achieve (Specific).

M - Measurable: Track your progress (Measurable).

A - Attainable: See and understand your goal as realistic and not just a pipe dream (Attainable). 

R - Relevant: Connects to your personal mission statement (Relevant).  

T - Time-bound: Set a target date that's both realistic and obtainable (Time-bound). 

Day 5: Review

Take the necessary time to review each of the above days and use today to catch up.

As you prepare for what life has in store for you today, please remember the importance of developing your own mission statement to help clearly define your identity. Your personal mission statement is your brand, which identifies who you are, where you stand, and to whom you belong. If you have not created your own personal mission statement, I encourage you to first define yourself before developing new goals. Your personal mission statement is your personal declaration that shapes the reason you exist.  

As a Certified Christian Counselor, author, and senior pastor, I specialize in Performance and Spiritual Coaching. Following the completion of Day 7 of the Prayer and Preparation Period, I will offer the remaining sessions as your personal Performance and Spiritual Coach.

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