Resilience to Run: Developing Resilience in Goal Setting

Goal setting resilience and healthy productivity connect us to a sense of mission and purpose. Before the earth’s foundations, God designed and planned for us to explore and experience adventure with Him. Throughout life, He joins us with people, in places, and through pursuits that draw out what He has nested within.

Although goal setting can introduce heightened enthusiasm for what we anticipate doing with God, confronting challenges is an undeniable part of the process. Even as we recover from setbacks, the Holy Spirit fosters resilience, arming us with vital tools to advance toward the goals we share with God.

Although our walk of faith in our relationship with the Lord is notably the most important part of our lives, it is not the only area where God can be glorified. The proof of what’s working from inside shows through external actions (James 2:26). Goal setting, in both process and resulting product, will testify to what God is doing in us comprehensively.

The productivity required for us to achieve goals reflects the Holy Spirit’s internal work, making us confident and secure in how God has uniquely outfitted us. We not only need to avail ourselves of His help but also access the practical tools and apply principles that spur our success.

I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 3:14, NIV

Tools for resilience goal setting

Different goals require different tools. Although your process is unique, some instruments can be universally applied to most personal aims or objectives.

• Writing your goal and posting it in a visible location will help you to define what you want, and embed its potential within your mind.
• Engaging your senses reinforces possibility with God, despite distractions and disruptions.
• Creating a set of scriptural affirmations engages the power of God’s Word, boosting faith, stabilizing unshakeable confidence, and dispatching angels on your behalf.

Goal setting techniques

Learning from the Holy Spirit, as Teacher, and through essential experience, stretches your capacity and develops a growth mindset. The tools you have acquired may not be used the same way in all circumstances, but your willingness to adapt fosters resilience.

Remain curious, embrace new tools, and practice different methods to accomplish your established objectives. Innovation relies on the ability to apply the knowledge you’ve amassed, reimagining old problems through the wonder of fresh lenses.

When we ask, God gives abundant wisdom. He knows how to answer areas where we are ignorant or underprepared. Though we may feel agitated by insecurity, we are never disadvantaged. The Holy Spirit, Himself is the spirit of wisdom, revelation, and understanding (Isaiah 11:2).

God is confident about the treasure of His gifts and Spirit within and we can boldly follow His lead into the race set for us to run toward the goal and heavenly prize (Philippians 3:14).

Your team for goal setting resilience

It is essential to have a core group of people that you consider your tribe. The support of other goal-oriented and like-minded individuals has the potential to elevate you to what God has envisioned from before the beginning (Ephesians 2:10). “You don’t go as far as your dream, you go as far as your team.” (Daniels)

When the path becomes difficult, and it certainly will, you may be tempted to abandon the faith and set your pursuit aside. However, in connecting with others, you gather the refreshment, encouragement, and accountability to resume the next leg of your journey with resilience and fresh drive.

Connect with people and entities who can champion you in your journey. In selecting your team, you want to prioritize the Holy Spirit’s wisdom and discernment. Ideally, you want to engage peers, mentors, and eventually, mentees, who will also spur you to “sharpen the saw,” (Covey) refining the processes that catapult you in the lane where you are called to run with vision (Habakkuk 2:1-3).

Part of developing resilience is the awareness that there may be some movement in and out of your circle as you and your goals evolve. However, it speaks to growth that is not only occurring within your own heart but also shifting the world around you.

Next steps

Working toward a goal will demand what seems like the best and the worst of you. There is a way to navigate the process of goal setting with grit and grace.

Reach out to one of the counselors on this site to make an appointment. You will find someone who is empathetic, yet equipped to support you with setting your aspirations and attaining your goal. You have what is needed to adapt tools, stretch techniques, and rally team support to finish your race and meet your goal.