Devotion: Laying The Foundation For Your Castle

I press towards the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Phil. 3:14 (NKJV)

Last week we saw some steps needed to get you started in this journey to a flourishing life. The first step is having a dream. Then followed by the understanding that your dream won't fulfil itsel, If you don't take necessary steps for it to happen because if it is to be, it is up to you. We saw that the power of choice is a powerful tool for turning your dreams into realities. Your desires too need to be strong enough to help you persevere through obstacles.

Having said that, your dream needs support to stand on. You don't want to build castles in the air without foundations to hold them to the ground. Your aspiration can become crippled if you do nothing to convert it from just a dream to something real.

This brings us to today's devotion titled, Laying The Foundation For Your Castle. Taking your dream from just a whimsical hope to something so great and impactful requires turning them into goals that are specific, measurable and achievable. An example is, my dream is to grow personally in 2015. Turning this into a goal, it becomes, My goal is to read a book on personal development every month in 2015 starting from January. This is specific (to read a book to encourage personal growth). It is measurable (1 book/month) and achievable (it is rational and realistic).

Another example of a vague dream is, To set up a school sometime in the future. This dream has no parameters with which progress can be measured. A more specific goal will sound more like this; To set us a pre-school that caters for children between ages 3 to 5 years which will commence operation from next school session starting in September. Goals therefore give your dream sense of direction, focus and clarity. Sometimes when we lack the capacity to grow the right amount of faith for our dream its because we lack direction for the dream.

Do you know goals too can become uninspiring and non-exciting? This is when your goals are not in harmony with your core values. Values help you identify the principles you stand for and help pattern your choices in that direction. They are like shortcut to important decisions you make through life. When your goals violate your core values happiness and the sense of fulfilment eludes you no matter the dreams realized. Values help you set goals that support actions that align with your true essence.

When you are sure about your objectives for living, what follows is an outline of plans for your life. Focusing on even little task that is sure to lead to the main goal. Your actions daily, weekly, or at whatever interval should move you closer to the bigger dream. Commit to making your dream a reality by committing to every single task that would bring it about.

Today's Action Plan:

• Turn that all important dream in your life into specific and measurable goals.

• Determine if your core values are aligned with your goals.

• Break your goals into smaller task that would help you determine the progress on your goals.

Do you have questions or in need of help on becoming more aware of yourself, reach me on BB pin 55E1AC41.

Thanks for your time, do have a blessed week.