[Maleldil's daughter]

I used to have to set annual goals for our org as well. We had an outline we had to follow. I always enjoyed doing it, but found the annual goals were often forgotten and not helpful. I found two things that helped me more were setting quarterly goals and developing ongoing routines/habits. I do those things now.

The most important part of setting goals to me is listening to the Holy Spirit. I always spend time in listening prayer and also look to what God has been saying to me through His word and through the wise counsel of people I trust.

To guide my ministry goal setting I use the 7 key elements of a disciple who makes disciples and set up quarterly goals in each area. The 7 elements are: multiplying extraordinary prayer, going out among the lost, ministering in word and deed, discipling the open in discovery Bible studies, casting vision among believers, training others, and giving and receiving ongoing coaching. I usually have some routines I'm trying to develop, like praying with others every Wednesday or hanging out evangelizing twice a week, and some things that are bigger picture/take more steps, like develop a follow-up process for people who've taken our initial outreach training (a current thing I'm working on for our church).

For personal goals I've tried various things. Right now I just use the handy guide to health, which is a mnemonic based on your hand. The thumb is physical health (it's fat/strong), the pointer is occupational/financial health, the middle finger is intellectual health (it's taller so it's the brains), the ring finger is relational health, the pinky is mental/emotional health (it's weak), and the palm is spiritual health (holds all the rest together). Mostly I'm just setting goals to develop or continue healthy habits in these areas. If, when I take stock, any of these areas is really suffering then it's a prod to take more action if needed, like make a doctor's appt, try to see a counselor, take a spiritual retreat.

Hope this helps.