While the beginning of the year is a great time to re-evaluate your life, it feels like a lot of pressure to come up with new goals just to announce them on one day. That’s why a few years ago, I made a conscious decision to break free from the marketing schemes of New Year's resolutions. I realized that true change takes time, and it cannot be confined to a mere 365 days. So, instead of succumbing to the frenzy, I took a different approach.

Armed with post-it notes and a vibrant Crayola marker, I wrote down four focus goals that resonated with me on a deeper level. These goals were not limited to a single year but were intended to guide me for as long as it would take to achieve them. They became the compass that directed my attention and determined how I would invest my time.

My focus goals spanned various aspects of my life: financial prosperity, health and fitness, freedom from debt, and cultivating a confident personal style. Writing them down held immense power for me because it allowed me to visually see what I desired, even before it had materialized in reality.

Embracing these four goals filled me with excitement about the possibilities that lay ahead, but they also carried a sense of familiarity. These were areas I had attempted to tackle before, only to fall short every time. However, what made them truly special was their continuous nature. They were not limited to a single year, alleviating the pressure to overhaul my entire life within a short timeframe. Simply putting these goals on paper had an incredible impact on my subconscious, igniting a drive to work towards them.

But having goals and aspirations is only the first step. To truly reach them, I discovered the importance of incorporating three essential elements into my journey: faith, consistency, and community. These elements have been my trusted allies, propelling me closer to my goals and keeping me steadfast on my path.

My four goals to focus on for 2021 and beyond

Faith: The Transformative Power Behind Achieving Your Goals

Growing up, my momma would often remind me of Romans 4:17, saying, "Speak things that are not as though they were." But there's a deeper meaning to that scripture. The power to speak of things that do not yet exist, as if they already do, stems from God. It's important for me to acknowledge my belief system in this context. For me, writing down my goals and keeping them within sight serves as a daily reminder that God resides within me, empowering me to achieve what may initially seem far-fetched.

Having faith in something greater than myself is what keeps me resilient in the face of uncertainty. It sustains me when I feel wronged by others or burdened by past decisions. Throughout the ups and downs of life, one constant has remained—the unwavering presence of God in my life. Often, I find myself unsure of how things will unfold or why certain hardships befall me. However, when I let go of the need to control every outcome and remember that God has already orchestrated everything in my favor, I worry less. This mental space allows me to focus wholeheartedly on the goals I've set for my life.

While some may view having faith in something bigger as a form of bondage, I perceive it as true freedom. It alleviates my worries and nurtures the creative energy I require to live life on my own terms. I don't claim to prescribe a particular way of living to others, but I can attest to the significant difference I've experienced in my productivity and overall well-being when I prioritize my relationship with God.

Moreover, I've noticed that when I have faith and witness my goals manifesting, they exceed my wildest expectations. They become enhanced, surpassing anything I could have hoped for or achieved on my own. This realization further reinforces my conviction that faith in God has the power to amplify the impact and outcome of my goals.

Consistency: The Key To Lasting Change And Goal Achievement

Consistency holds the key to lasting change. When we set goals, it's because we desire a shift from how things were in the past. It is through consistent effort that what was once challenging gradually becomes easier to accomplish. However, life has a way of throwing obstacles in our path, threatening to derail our progress.

I've experienced my fair share of detours from my goals, just like many others. That's why carving out dedicated time each day is crucial—it helps us maintain consistency. But let me be clear: consistency does not mean berating ourselves when we veer off track. Rather, it involves making a conscious and deliberate effort to overcome obstacles and stay committed to reaching our goals.

It's important to recognize that consistency doesn't require us to never pause or revise our goals. There may be moments when we need to take a break or adjust our direction. However, what truly matters is that we never completely stop pursuing what we desire. Often, the struggle to maintain consistency arises from fixating on the entire staircase or the grand scope of our goals, rather than taking one small step each day in their direction.

Consistency becomes more manageable when we embrace the concept of taking baby steps. By focusing on accomplishing one small task each day, we build momentum and develop a habit of progress. It's the cumulative effect of these daily actions that propels us forward and brings us closer to our goals.

Building A Supportive Community: The Key To Goal Success

In today's world, loneliness seems to be more prevalent than ever before. The isolation many of us experienced during the pandemic did not dissipate once it ended. Feeling alone in the vastness of the world can make it incredibly challenging to find the motivation to set goals, let alone strive to achieve them. This is where the power of community comes into play.

As humans, we thrive when we are connected, when we experience the beauty of relationships with others. Having a supportive community is paramount to reaching our goals. We need people in our lives who can uplift and encourage us, especially during those moments when we are tempted to give up. A compassionate listener who holds space for us can make a world of difference in our journey.

One of the remarkable aspects of being in a community is that we gain access to a wealth of resources that can aid us in reaching our goals. Others within our community may possess the very tools, knowledge, or connections we need to make significant progress. By tapping into these shared resources, we can accelerate our growth and overcome obstacles more effectively.

Moreover, being part of a community allows us to learn from the lived experiences of others. Each individual brings their unique insights and perspectives to the table, offering us invaluable lessons and wisdom. We can draw inspiration from their stories of triumph and learn from their mistakes, expanding our own understanding of what is possible and avoiding potential pitfalls.

As you can see, creating goals is just one piece of the puzzle. You’ve got to have a way to reach those goals. For me, it’s focusing on my faith over fear, consistently taking small steps towards a big goal, and staying connected with my community.