How to Set Goals and Intentions

SummaryHave you ever reached a goal only to figure out that you didn't feel any better about yourself once you got there? Most of us are taught how to set SMART goals, but we aren't always taught to set the purpose behind the goal—the intention. In this practical episode of the Arise, Women of God podcast, host Tamara K. Anderson joins advisory board member and certified grief coach Sandy Falter to answer the question: How to set goals and intentions.We move from just checking boxes to truly changing our character by bridging the gap between the head (goals) and the heart (intentions). Tamara breaks down the exact difference between the two, explaining why you can fail at a goal (like a clean house when the basement floods) but still succeed at your intention (creating a peaceful home). Sandy shares a brilliant "Habit Stacking" hack from Atomic Habits, revealing how she anchored her morning prayers to the physical task of making her bed. Finally, we walk through a real-life example of how to write a SMART goal for personal scripture study that actually feels doable. If you are ready to solve the pain of hollow success and align your daily actions with your spiritual heart, this episode will teach you how to turn your to-do list into your to-be list.Episode TakeawaysThe Push vs. The Pull: A goal is a specific, measurable outcome in the future (the what). An intention is the heart-purpose behind it (the why). Goals require you to push yourself forward; intentions pull you forward with a sense of mission.Intention Survives Failure: You can fail a goal due to circumstances out of your control (like sickness or a flooded house). But an intention (e.g., "to connect with God" or "to have a peaceful home") can survive any crisis.Habit Stacking: Sandy shares how she used to feel guilty for forgetting her morning prayers. Now, she "stacks" her prayer habit onto a habit she already does every day: making her bed. When she makes the bed, she kneels to pray.SMART Goals for the Soul: Tamara walks through how to make a spiritual goal SMART. Instead of a vague wish ("I want to read my scriptures more"), turn it into a specific, achievable plan: "I will study the New Testament for 5 minutes every morning before I check my phone for the next 30 days so I can connect to God."ResourcesAre you ready to set goals that feel as good in your heart as they look on paper? Download our FREE Guide to Goal Setting. It features the new "Vision to Victory" page with an Intention Anchor worksheet to help you find the why behind your what. 👉 Download the Guide Here: https://www.womenwarriorsoflight.com/offers/WyaLn2gS/checkoutNeed accountability? Check out our Women Warriors Accountability Group for free for two weeks! https://www.womenwarriorsoflight.com/join-nowReflection QuestionsLook at your biggest goal right now. Is it a "push" goal (relying on willpower) or a "pull" goal (driven by a deep, meaningful intention)?What is one daily habit you already do without thinking (like brushing your teeth or making coffee)? What spiritual habit could you "stack" onto it today?If a crisis happened today and you couldn't complete your to-do list (your goals), how could you still fulfill your underlying intention (e.g., showing love, finding peace)?Run your current spiritual goal through the SMART acronym. Is it Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound?Host & GuestTamara K. Anderson @TamaraKAndersonSandy Falter @sandyfalter_coachingSandy Falter is a mother of six children and a proud grandma of 9. After experiencing tremendous loss and healing herself, Sandy found her passion and purpose in helping others who have experienced loss from divorce, death, or unrealized expectations. She believes that God turns all tragedy for our good and she has seen the beauty rise from the ashes in her own life. Sandy Falter is certified grief coach, trainer and speaker. You can find her on her website at https://sandyfalter.com/Transcripthttps://www.womenwarriorsoflight.com/blog/how-to-set-goals-and-intentions