Why is it Important to Set Goals in Life?

Summary

Have you ever wondered why you are supposed to set goals? Is there a real spiritual reason, or should you just float along with the current and see where God takes you? In this episode of the Arise, Women of God podcast, host Tamara K. Anderson and advisory board member Sandy Falter tackle the foundational question: Why is it important to set goals in life?

We explore the concept of "Spiritual Atrophy"—the dangerous reality that doing nothing doesn't mean staying the same; it means declining. Sandy explains the life-changing concept of "The Gap and The Gain," teaching us how to measure our growth against where we started rather than where we aren't, which protects us from discouragement. We also dive deep into the Parable of the Talents, revealing why God values your effort over your outcome and how setting "toddler-sized" goals is the secret to building adult-sized spiritual confidence. If you have been feeling stuck in limbo or afraid to move forward, this episode will show you how goals are actually the training ground for your soul's ultimate purpose: preparing to meet God.

Episode Takeaways

1. Spiritual Atrophy: Just like muscles, your spirit does not stay static. If you do nothing, you atrophy. Goals are the resistance training required to keep your spirit growing and progressing.
2. The Gap vs. The Gain: Frustration comes from measuring yourself against the ideal (The Gap). Gratitude and confidence come from measuring yourself against where you started (The Gain). Look back to see God's hand in how far you've come.
3. The Parable of the Talents: God gives gifts "according to ability." He isn't judging you against the person with five talents; He is only looking at how you stewarded the one or two He gave you. Comparison kills stewardship.
4. Toddler Confidence: Just as a toddler builds confidence by taking shaky first steps, we build spiritual confidence by setting small goals and achieving them. God isn't disappointed when you stumble; He is cheering that you are trying to walk.

FREE Resource

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Reflection Questions

1. Are you currently "floating" in any area of your life? If so, have you noticed signs of "spiritual atrophy" or decline in that area?
2. When you look at your goals, do you focus on the "Gap" (how far you have to go) or the "Gain" (how far you've come)? How can you shift that perspective today?
3. Read the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25). Have you ever buried a talent because you were afraid it wasn't as "big" as someone else's?
4. What is one "toddler-sized" goal you can set this week to...