Claudia and I are in the process of going through Michael Hyatt’s Best Year Ever goal-setting program. (Great program, by the way!)
One of the things Michael talked about in the program was, rather than having an elaborate strategic plan for exactly how we’re going to accomplish our goals and how every detail will play out along the way, we just need to take the next step and trust the process as it unfolds.
I have to tell you, this was a great reminder (especially to me as a more strategic, analytical thinker). It means I don’t have to have it all figured out ahead of time.
Sure, it’s good to put a plan in place. But you can only see so far with a plan and at some point you just have to move forward without being able to see the end. Our focus should not stay on developing a plan, but on taking the next step which moves us towards our goal.
During the first summer of our marriage, Claudia and I took an incredible road trip from Pennsylvania to California and back.
There were many times while driving through the night that we could only see a few hundred feet in front of us. We didn’t know if there would be roadblocks, detours, or obstacles up ahead, but it never even crossed our minds to worry about these things. We trusted the road would eventually take us where we needed to go and our headlights would illuminate the path in front of us as we continued to drive.
It’s the same in life. As we move forward with courage and faith, the path will be illuminated along the way. Let’s focus on taking the next step in front of us confidently, rather than trying to see every specific turn and route on the path ahead.
Have you set goals for the upcoming year? What is the next step that you need to take for each of your goals?
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As always Michael a great, thought-provoking post! “we just need to take the next step and trust the process as it unfolds.” That speaks volumes to me and was just what I needed to hear this morning. Sometimes we can plan and plan and plan and it just doesn’t work out exactly as we’d planned! I’m experiencing that to a degree right now. I can’t control how well the plan works or whether it needs tweaking – I just need to take the next step – keep moving forward and trust the process and the leading of God.
Absolutely, Ann. It’s something I’m needing to remind myself as well. I love Prov 3:5-6 in this regard. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will direct your path.”
Amen Michael!!
Really enjoyed chatting with you the other day, Michael! I hope that the goal setting goes great, and that you hit many of your goals! That process sounds really similar to James Woosley’s book, Conquer the Entrepreneur’s Kryptonite.
Enjoyed talking with you too, Ryan! I haven’t read James’ book, but have heard lots of great stuff about it. Sounds like one to put on the reading list!