What Kind of Goals Should You Set?

There’s no shortage of advice out there about goal setting. But through my own experiences, I’ve discovered a particular type of goal that’s most effective in helping me become the person I want to be.

Starting with the Basics

Before I could figure out the best way to set goals, I first had to learn the importance of setting goals at all. For much of my life, I didn’t. I worked hard but often without clear direction, which led me to waste time and energy on things that didn’t truly matter.

College was my first introduction to goal setting. I set goals related to my grades and weightlifting. These goals weren’t easy, but they were often within my current ability, and many were vague or poorly defined. While they helped to some extent, I wasn’t taking full advantage of what goal setting could do for me.

After graduating, I began my journey of personal development and realized how transformative the right kinds of goals could be. Properly crafted goals can supercharge your results, helping you achieve far more than you thought possible. They also inspire motivation, making the work feel less burdensome and more purposeful. The right goals give you a clear direction, focusing your efforts and minimizing wasted energy.

What Are God-Sized Goals?

When I set goals today, I strive for what I call “God-sized goals.” But what does that mean? A God-sized goal is a goal so big that it pushes you to grow and rely on more than just yourself—it forces you to lean on God’s power and guidance. Here are the key characteristics:

1. They Require Growth
   A God-sized goal isn’t something you can achieve with your current abilities or mindset. It forces you to stretch, learn, and become a better version of yourself. If your goals don’t challenge you to grow, you’re selling yourself short.

2. They’re Bigger Than You
   A God-sized goal goes beyond what you believe you can accomplish on your own. It requires faith and leaves room for God to work in your life. By aiming for something beyond your natural ability, you allow God to step in and do the extraordinary.

3. They’re Specific
   Clarity is essential. A vague goal won’t give you the direction you need. Specific goals act as a north star, guiding your efforts and enabling you to measure progress. When your goal is clear, you’ll also know precisely when you’ve achieved it.

Why Set God-Sized Goals?

One of the greatest benefits of setting big goals is that even if you don’t fully achieve them, you’ll likely accomplish more than you would have with a smaller, safer goal. Easy goals don’t challenge us—they don’t push us to become better or to rely on God’s power.

If you’re consistently achieving every goal you set, it’s a sign you’re not aiming high enough. Failure, when paired with genuine effort, is often a sign of growth. When you set big goals and give your all, you can rest easy knowing you left nothing on the table.

Staying Flexible Without Losing Focus

While it’s important to be committed to your goals, they don’t have to be rigid. Life changes, and so do our passions and priorities. If you find that a goal no longer aligns with your values or interests, it’s okay to reevaluate and adjust it.

However, don’t confuse fear with a lack of interest. Big goals can be intimidating, and it’s natural to feel uncertain or overwhelmed. Instead of giving up, use this as an opportunity to pray for strength and guidance. Trust God to help you overcome the challenges ahead.

Take Action: Set Your Own God-Sized Goals

Now is the time to set goals that challenge and inspire you. Choose goals that require growth, rely on God’s strength, and are clear and specific. Let them guide your efforts and push you to become the best version of yourself—the person God intended you to be.

Set goals that scare you a little, and then work toward them with faith and determination. You’ll be amazed at what you can achieve when you step out of your comfort zone and trust God with the process. Good luck!