“The direction in which we are moving is more important than where we are at the moment.”
- Elder Marvin J. Ashton (1915–94).
Goals help us see the direction and set the course of our lives. These goals can be daily, weekly, monthly, yearly, and even eternally. Knowing how to set proper goals will help us achieve them, and thus give us fulfillment and joy. To help you start with your goal setting, here are steps and ideas on how to create worthwhile goals.
1. Find a time to seriously reflect and pray
Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught, “First, think about your life and set your priorities. Find some quiet time regularly to think deeply about where you are going and what you will need to do to get there. Jesus, our exemplar, often ‘withdrew himself into the wilderness, and prayed" (Luke 5:16).
Carefully considering the path you want to take, the life you want to have will help you set the course of actions you want to take. Prayer will help identifying the best path and the correct set of actions to take.
2. Write down your specific goals for every area of your life
President Ezra Taft Benson (1899–1994): “
Every accountable child of God needs to set goals, short- and long-range goals. A man who is pressing forward to accomplish worthy goals can soon put despondency under his feet, and once a goal is accomplished, others can be set up. Some will be continuing goals. Each week when we partake of the sacrament we commit ourselves to the goals of taking upon ourselves the name of Christ, of always remembering him and keeping his commandments. Of Jesus’ preparations for his mission, the scripture states that he ‘increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.’ (Luke 2:52.) This encompasses four main areas for goals: spiritual, mental, physical, and social. ‘Therefore, what manner of men ought ye to be?’ asked the Master, and he answered, ‘Verily I say unto you, even as I am.’ (3 Ne. 27:27.) Now, there is a lifetime goal—to walk in his steps, to perfect ourselves in every virtue as he has done, to seek his face, and to work to make our calling and election sure”
Goals vary in focus and duration. In our lifetime, we will have short-term and long-term goals. Regardless of the time you have set for your specific goal, it should always point toward the Savior, Jesus Christ. Doing so will ensure happiness and satisfaction along the way.
3. Work out your goals and manage your time
Time is a valuable resource and work is honorable. These two principles work hand in hand in accomplishing our goals. Effective time management if accompanied by diligent work will help us ensure success in the life we choose.
President Thomas S. Monson said, “Our house is to be a house of order. … Let us provide time for family, time for work, time for study, time for service, time for recreation, time for self—but above all, time for Christ".
In Mosiah 4:27 we are also reminded to “see that all these things are done in wisdom and order; for it is not requisite that a man should run faster than he has strength. And again, it is expedient that he should be diligent, that thereby he might win the prize; therefore, all things must be done in order.”
Reference: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/the-gospel-and-the-productive-life-student-manual-2018/chapter-3?lang=eng&id=p57#p57
