The truth? I wasn’t. I lived from day to day on every wave of emotion. Some days excitement and passion partnered up, pattering wildly within my heart.
Other days, depression and anxiety were my silent friends. I lived each day as it came, with no plan for my future, for my relationships, or for my heart.
I lived my life completely unscripted … and, well, it didn’t go well for me. Teen pregnancy and a broken heart were only two consequences. There were more. Even after all these years I still struggle with insecurities with pained memories. Looking back I wish I would have had a better grasp of my future. It would have helped me make better decisions for sure!
What do you want for your future? Here's an exercise to help you figure it out. Write down your answers in your journal. Think through your dreams and goals. Pray about them.
Your Name:
Today’s Date:
3–6 Months
What is one way you can improve yourself over the next few months?
What is something you need to commit to pray about?
Who would you like to build a better relationship with? How can you start?
What can you do in the next few months that will help your future?
6–12 Months
How do you imagine yourself in a year?
What can you do to prepare for that "improved" person?
What one Scripture verse can you memorize to help you in your growth?
What relationships do you need to walk away from? Who is holding you back from becoming the person you want to be?
What can you start today that will help you plan for your career path?
Beyond 12 Months
How can you become a more positive impact in your church over the next year?
What does God desire for your future?
Who can encourage you on your path?
How can you improve your relationship with your parents?
What friends will help you grow in your faith? In what ways can you help them grow?
5 years from now
Where do you see yourself? In college? On the mission field?
What steps can you take to get there?
What type of person do you need to be to attract the man of your dreams?
These are just a few things to get your started! Feel free to talk about these to your friends, your mentors! The more we think, plan, and pray, the closer we will get to achieving God's dreams--wonderful dreams--for our lives!
~~~
About Tricia: Tricia Goyer is the author of thirty books including Songbird Under a German Moon, The Swiss Courier, and the mommy memoir, Blue Like Play Dough. She won Historical Novel of the Year in 2005 and 2006 from ACFW, and was honored with the Writer of the Year award from Mt. Hermon Writer's Conference in 2003. Tricia's book Life Interrupted was a finalist for the Gold Medallion in 2005. In addition to her novels, Tricia writes non-fiction books and magazine articles for publications like MomSense and Thriving Family. Tricia is a regular speaker at conventions and conferences, and has been a workshop presenter at the MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) International Conventions. She and her family make their home in Little Rock, Arkansas where they are part of the ministry of FamilyLife. www.triciagoyer.com
6 comments:
This is great advice. I did a similiar "write down your goals" plan when I was younger, and I've pretty much checked them all off now by age 27!
Marriage
A child
Books published
Speaking ministry started
Making income by writing
My own house
Spiritual growth in certain areas
etc.
Seeing your dreams on paper really does help you turn them into goals and go after them!
Great advice! I make goals every year, semester, and sometimes months. As a high-schooler I could have benefited greatly from doing this if I had been told. Thanks for sharing! :)
divinedatingforgirls.blogspot.com
I was told to do the exact same thing by one of my professors today...I'm thinking it's not a coincidence! ;-)
Sometimes breaking down those big, vague goals we usually push into the future for "someday" into smaller, definable steps can help us to live with purpose and actually reach them. Thanks for the article :)
inside-out-girl.blogspot.com
This is actually fantastic advice for us big girls too! I'm going to be thinking about my short term and long term goals today for sure.
Great post! I love your book My Life Unscripted... very inspiring and eye-opening. Please don't stop encouraging teens to submit their lives to Christ and give him the pen.
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