What uncertain times we live in, coronavirus pandemic, racial tensions, and economic upheaval. I don’t believe anyone really knows what is going on, but I believe we are experiencing “birth pains” before Christ return. We are living in a time like know other, what could be shaken has been shaken.

With so much unsettledness and unrest in our nation it can be difficult to set goals, and especially long-term goals. Not knowing what will happen next has caused many to stop pursuing goals and live in survival mode. Survival mode is normal under most crisis, which is doing the basics to live; but nothing more. I felt over these last several months I was in a survival mode.

I did not have the motivation or the desire to set long-term goals, and I just recently began to set daily goals again. Mainly it was because I was overwhelmed, tired, and a bit anxious from all the turmoil that came with coronavirus. I know many who felt this way and were doing their best just to stay afloat.

Now that our economy is opening back up and things are starting to get back to some kind of normal, you can start coming out of the survival mode and begin to set goals.

Goals are important as they will determine future success, help with time management, and help you to stay focused.

When I was not making goals during the initial outbreak of coronavirus, I had trouble with staying focused and on task. I had little direction and allowed whatever happened in my day to determine what I was going to do.

I recommend that you start making daily goals first, and then make a few short-term goals to get started. Starting off with just daily goals will help with not feeling overwhelmed with planning for the future in the midst of this time of uncertainty.

Keys to setting goals again:

Start off making small daily goals, and pray over your list.

Plan, but hold your plans loosely, meaning go about your day as if they would happen; but also recognize that circumstances may come that can alter your goals.

Be okay with God changing or altering what happens.

Get back on track if your goals are delayed for a time.

After several weeks of getting back into the rhythm of making daily goals, begin to make monthly long-term goals. Making long-term goals may be challenging during this time of unknowns, but remember if some unforeseen circumstance does happen; you can always take a time-out from goal setting and resume at a more stable time.

During a time of crisis you can still make small, manageable goals that you know can be accomplished. It is important not to make unrealistic goals for yourself during a time of hardship. Your goals will look very different during times of crisis.

For now don’t try and make long-term goals for the year, just focus on making long-term goals for the month. You won’t feel as anxious about planning by starting on the shallow-end of goal setting. After meeting your daily goals for a couple of weeks and a few short-term weekly goals, make your long-term monthly goals. Repeat this process for as long as you need to feel comfortable planning in this time of uncertainty.

Reflect and Respond:

Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money. Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then it vanishes. Instead, you ought to say,” If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” James 4: 13-16

The Plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty. Proverbs 16:3

After reading the above scriptures, what are they speaking to you?

What should you do about planning, and how should you plan?

Stephanie R. Reck, LMSW, LBT, BCCC
Stephanie Reck, Coaching & Consultation Services
www.stephaniereck.com
[email protected]
Stephanie Reck Coaching & Consultation Services, @2024
Author of, "Disciplining Your Mind 30 Days to a Better You!"