December
30, 2013
[Pastorgraphs now online at ChristSD.com]
Pastorgraphs: “Reaching Your Ideals”
“So
let’s keep focused on that goal, those of us who want everything God has for
us.
If any of you have something else in mind, something less than total commitment,
God will clear your blurred vision—you’ll see it yet!
Now that we’re on the right track, let’s stay on it.”
If any of you have something else in mind, something less than total commitment,
God will clear your blurred vision—you’ll see it yet!
Now that we’re on the right track, let’s stay on it.”
(Philippians
3: 15-16. The Message Translation)
There is an
old saying that if you aim at nothing, you probably will hit it! Far too many
people appear to be drifting through life with no sense of direction or
purpose, suffering from a poverty of ideals.
While the
timing is good as many are making New Year’s Resolutions, the subject of ideals
and goal setting is much more important than the half-hearted attempts we make
at losing a few pounds, exercising, or saving money that rarely make it past
the middle of January.
Ideals (or
goals, if you prefer) are very important! They are a part of your ethical
structure. Ethics reside in your mind, composed of your beliefs, values, principles
and ideals. While the first three components of ethics look inwardly,
reflectively, and in some sense to past experiences, ideals are the component
of your ethics that look outwardly and forward to the person you want to be.
Or, more importantly, who you “ought” to be, the things you want to accomplish;
what God put you on this earth to do with your life!
Wikipedia
confirms this: “An ideal is
a principle or value that one actively pursues as a goal,
usually in the context of ethics. Ideals are particularly important in
ethics, as the order in which one places them tends to determine the degree to
which one reveals them as real and sincere.”
Further, while
your ideals may be rooted in your values, it is important to note that values
do not require an action plan; but ideals require action.
So whether
you are making New Year’s Resolutions, or seriously striving to be the person
God intended, I offer a few suggestions on how to reach your ideals (goals) in
2014.
Seven
Strategies for Reaching Your Ideals
1.
See
the big picture.
Think big. Dream big dreams. Plan to do great things with your life. This is
what Stephen Covey (7 Habits of Highly Effective People) calls “Start with the
End in Mind”. Think of ideals as personal “strategic planning” (setting a
strategy to get to where you want to be, to become who you should be).
2.
Write
it down. Studies
show that you will be more likely to reach your goals if you simply write them
down. State your goals positively, not as negatives. And be sure to include
goals for different aspects of your life: career, financial, health, spiritual,
relationships, life-long learning, etc.
3.
Break
your big goals into smaller steps.
Rome wasn’t built in a day. You will not graduate college in one semester or
get debt free in one payday. But you can begin today on the path to achieving
any goal you set your mind upon. Create an action plan for each goal. Remember,
without an action plan, your ideals are merely wishes.
4.
Prioritize. Do the most important things today,
not just the easiest things. Be consistent and persistent. Whether you reach
all your goals or not, pursuing them will make you a better, more productive,
happier, and ultimately more successful person.
5. Set
deadlines and milestones.
Most New Year’s Resolutions include something such as “lose weight”. It is
better to set a goal with how much weight to lose and by when (“Lose 10 pounds
by April 1”). Make sure your goals are realistic and measurable.
6.
Use
great role models.
Ideals are standards or models of excellence. Measure yourself against the
best, not the average! Make a list of the people you most admire. Then list the
personal qualities they possessed that inspire you and decide how you may
incorporate those ideals in your life.
7.
Keep
your eye on the prize.
You will no doubt run into obstacles and discouragement. Keep your goal in mind
(a college degree, being debt free, being a healthy person) and you will be
able to overcome the daily distractions.
Ideals and
goals are critical for success. Collectively, your ideals and goals form your
roadmap for achieving success, happiness, and integrity. They reveal your
life’s vision statement (what your life “ought” to be). Without that Ideal
Roadmap, you are likely to get lost on the highway of life.
Devotedly
yours, Bill Jenkins
(P.S. There was no E-Vangel last week. It was nice to
spend Christmas week in Simi Valley with family, especially the grandkids!)
From the
Quote Garden:
“Ideals are like stars: you will not
succeed in touching them with your hands, but like the seafaring man on the
desert of waters, you choose them as your guides, and following them you reach
your destiny.”
~ Carl Schurz ~
Christ United Methodist Ministry
Center
“Christ
in the Heart of San Diego”
3295
Meade Avenue - San Diego, CA 92116 - (619) 284-9205
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