Not posts. I’m way past that. (Heading toward 2500)
Miles.
Not driven miles. Ridden miles. During Friday’s ride, I crossed the 2000 mile mark for 2015.
However, that was not my goal. The goal I set on January 1 was 2500. Unless the weather can remain above 30 for the next two months with absolutely no precipitation, it is highly unlikely I will make my original goal.
That’s the thing about goals. My philosophy is what I will call flexible goals. When I set 2500 as my goal for the year, I did not count on getting a later start due to a month long February snowfall. Well, maybe not month long, but we seemed to get a whole lot of snow that month. Road bike and snow/ice do not mix; nor was I counting on a cranky knee which would take several weeks of riding to make it even road worthy (easy rides of 12-15 miles); nor was I counting on having the rainiest June on record. Several other factors entered in as well. By July I was already a good 100-200 miles behind my norm. So I went into flexible goal mode. I adjusted my thinking and my goal. I lowered my goal to one more realistic-one which would challenge me but also be reachable. Thus the 2000 and the excitement of seeing a goal realized.
Whether a personal goal or, in my case, a professional goal (church), setting goals must never be put in concrete. (IMHO) Goals which are too high can lead to discouragement. Goals too low can lead to “settledness.” The mission (goal) of OVCF is “to connect people to Jesus.” My next three posts will be how we hope to make that a reality (reached goal). I do hope you will tune in and take part.
I inadvertently published this too early. Sorry for the inconvenience. It is now back on schedule.
I try not to set goals for “recreational” things because it can turns things into chores or rote activities. Like reading for example. It is meant to be enjoyable and relaxing. If I find myself turning pages just to reach a goal, I put the book down and find something else to do. Having goals is great, but I agree, we need to consider what our choices mean and what we are potentially passing up to do some activity.
Good advice Daniel. I think goals can sometimes be like a noose around the neck. I like your idea of putting the book down and doing something else.
To be a goal it needs to be measurable. How do you intend to measure “connecting people to Jesus” Is there a number you have in mind and how will you know when they are connected?
i actually misused the word goal. I should have said purpose. it is our mission, the reason we do what we do. Thanks for calling me out on this Jeff.
OK. Does your mission or purpose have a goal?
Yes. It will be posted next.
Connecting people to Jesus…worthy goal. One everyone can be a part of, and you have the best help there is on earth, the Holy Spirit to guide you.
I agree Betty everyone can be a part of it. It really should be the purpose of every Christ-follower.
Hi Bill! I’m all for making goals flexible. Sometimes goals are made when I’m feeling invincible, and I don’t take into account the time, health or weather it takes to get to that goal. Realizing that sometimes its the journey (not necessarily the goal) that makes me stronger helps.
Giving people the tools and the encouragement to connect with Christ is a wonderful goal. It’s the most important of our lives. Even then, the journey can be rough, but it’s all good.
Bless you as you support your church and it’s goals!
Ceil
I’ve made goals when I thought i was invincible (hence the cycling one) but life happened. 🙂 I will be sharing how we hope to realize our mission.
Good for you, Bill. That’s a lot of miles on a bicycle seat. Love the attitude about goals, personal and spiritual. It’s about the journey and the perspective usually anyway!
Yeah, lot of miles but sadly not as many as I would like. What does that say about me? Driven? Nuts? Whacked? You tell me. LOL And it is about the journey.
I’m not a good goal-setter, and I’m easily discouraged when I don’t meet my expectations. I like the idea of *flexible goals*. And I thought your words were so wise, too, about setting goals not so high to be unattainable, and not so low that we become complacent.
Looking forward to your next posts about your church.
GOD BLESS!
A lot of my goal-setting depends on my mood and on the reason for it. As for looking forward to future posts: I hope you are not too disappointed. 🙂
I love your philosophy of goal-setting; it’s mine too. Not so high they’re unreachable; not so low they’re not worth it. Riding over 2000 miles is incredible though! Just so you know. 🙂
Thanks Lisa. At first I was bummed when I realized the original was not going to happen this year. But I got over it! LOL Thanks for the encouragement.
Congratulations on reaching 2000 miles. Awesome. I’m terrible when it comes to setting goals. Much more of the free-spirit creative personality in my. But I’ve decided lately it’s not too late to start. So, I have a goal to organize one drawer or closet everyday until I get through the whole house. Now to see if this is more like a resolution (fail) or a goal. 🙂
Fortunately, I’m not a very unorganized person. I’d like to know how your drawer-cleaning turns out.
Deb wanted to tell you how much I liked you latest post on “touch”. I tried to leave a comment but for some reason it would not let.