Thoughts on setting goals

I've been thinking about the resolutions that I feel somewhat obligated to make this time of year. For years I have been reluctant to make resolutions at the beginning of the new year, partly, because "everyone is doing it" and I am not a crowd follower, (same reason I've been reluctant to scrapbook), and because I don't like to feel guilted into it. After all, shouldn't we be setting goals all year as the need arises? I appreciate the comment made by a friend at church that she had been praying to know what goals she needed to make. Ah-ha, that's what I need to do! That's the kind of goals that I like, the kind of goals that I know when I make them, that I will be able to accomplish. When I set a goal, such as, to lose weight, I feel like I have failed before I even begin. However, when I make a goal that is prompted by personal revelation, received after praying and pondering about what my needs are, then I feel peaceful reassurance that I can accomplish the goal. I also know that the only way to accomplish such a goal is with the Lord's help and as long as I do my part, he always does his part to help me. I believe that the key to setting and accomplishing goals is to humbly and prayerfully set the goal and then humbly and prayerfully press forward with faith.