Guide for Top 5 Goals

I used to struggle with setting goals not because I didn't have any, but because I had too many. Every year, I'd create an ambitious list of everything I wanted to accomplish, convinced that if I just planned well enough, I could do it all. But you know what happened? I felt overwhelmed, spread too thin, and ended up making little progress in the areas that mattered most.

 

Then, one year, God showed me a different way. Instead of chasing after everything at once, I needed to focus on what He was calling me to in that season. I prayed, reflected, and realized that my goals needed to align with where He was leading me not just what sounded good or what I felt pressured to achieve. That shift changed everything.

 

So, if you're feeling overwhelmed by all the dreams and aspirations on your Master Goals List, I get it. But here's the good news - you don't have to do everything at once. The key is to narrow it down to the five goals that will make the biggest impact in your life this year. Here's how you can do that:

 

Step 1: Review Your Master Goals List

Take a moment to read through everything you've written down. Each goal might feel important, but ask yourself:

Which ones truly excite me?

Which ones will bring lasting change?

Which ones align with where God is leading me this year?

Sometimes, we hold onto goals out of habit or pressure, but not every goal is meant for this season. It's okay to let some go or save them for later.

 

Step 2: Choose Your Top 5 Goals

Now, it's time to be intentional. Pick five goals that will move you forward in key areas of your life. These should be the goals that, if accomplished, would make the biggest difference in your life.

 

Step 3: Make Them Clear and Actionable

A goal without a plan is just a wish. Take each of your five goals and make them SMART:

Specific: What exactly do you want to accomplish?

Measurable: How will you track progress?

Achievable: Is this realistic for this season?

Relevant: Does this align with your long-term vision and God's plan?

Time-bound: What's your deadline?

For example, instead of saying, I want to grow in my faith, you might say, I will spend 30 minutes in prayer and Bible study every morning before starting my day.

 

Step 4: Keep Your Goals in Front of You

Write your five goals on the Top 5 Goals page, then list each one separately on it's corresponding Top Goal #1 - #5 pages in your Virtuous Living Planner. Reviewing them regularly keeps you focused and reminds you why you started.

 

Step 5: Take Action & Stay Flexible

Big goals are accomplished through small, consistent steps. Break each goal down into actionable tasks - weekly or monthly steps that move you closer to completion. And remember, life happens. If you need to adjust, that's okay. The key is to stay connected to God's leading and keep moving forward.

 

Final Thoughts

Choosing just five goals might feel limiting at first, but it's actually freeing. When you focus on what truly matters, you make real progress instead of feeling stuck in the cycle of unfinished plans.

So, as you set your five top goals for the year, I encourage you to pray, seek God's guidance, and trust that He will lead you to the right ones for this season. The goal isn't just productivity - it's purpose. And when you align your goals with God's plan, you'll find more peace, clarity, and success than ever before.

Let's do this together!

Your Sister in Christ

 

 

Lisa Michele

Creator, Virtuous Living Planner

www.virtuouslivingplanner.com