"Goal" is not a 4-letter word

I have always had a part of me that resists setting goals. I don't know whether it is the connotation of the word that makes me think goals are hard and will take forever, or whether I just never had it modeled for me as a child. Whatever the reason, this is an area that I am working on in my life. Funny how various things will speak to you when you are focused on a theme ...

The following is from The Word For You Today devotional that I read regularly:
"Good planning and insight...bring...you honor and respect." Prov 3:21-22 NLT
People who set goals accomlish much more than people of equal educatio nand ability who don't. With that in mind, build these eight principles into your life.
1) Decide what you want. But first consult God. "Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails." (Pr 19:21 NIV)
2) Think on paper. Writing your goals down gives them a sense of permanency, plus it energizes you. "Good planning and insight...bring...you honor and respect." Wishy-washy objectives won't get you where you want to go.
3) Establish a deadline. Without a definite beginning and ending, it's easy to procrastinate and get nowhere.
4) Make a list of what you need to do. Keep it before you at all times; it'll give you a track to run on.
5) Convert your list to a plan. Decide what you need to do first and what you can do later. An organized plan is always better than trying to carry stuff around in your head.
6) Act immediately. "Be very careful, then how you live - not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity." (Eph 5:15-16 NIV) Do something! A mediocre plan that's implemented beats a brilliant one that's not.
7) Do something every day to move you forward. Build it into your schedule. For example, read systematically through your Bible, call a specific number of clients, engage in physical activity for a given time.
8) Have a goal you're willing to devote your life to ... and keep your eye on that goal at all times. "Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom." (Ps 90:12 NIV)

I found that this gave me a guide, set a process for setting goals and added pointers for pursuing the goals. Granted, we don't all meet our deadlines, and goals may change over time, but I've heard it said, "If you're aiming at nothing, you're sure to hit it." I'm working to fine-tune my aim ... how 'bout you?