How to Make 2011 your BEST YEAR EVER

I have done a lot of thinking about the upcoming year and I want to make it the best one I have had so far. I feel like this past year has brought myself and many others a lot of growth , especially spiritually speaking. 2010 will be difficult to top, but I think I've figured out the way that it can be done for all of us. The way that 2011 can be the greatest year thus far in our lives is......

Are you ready to hear it? Alright, here's the secret! Drum roll please.........          

                                            GOAL SETTING!

Worthy goals that are made, recorded and followed through on make us stretch. They allow us to achieve new heights and new levels of happiness and contentment. They can make us better, stronger people. Spiritual goals make us feel closer to God and develop that eternal perspective that we should all be looking for.

"I am so thoroughly convinced that if we don’t set goals in our life and learn how to master the techniques of living to reach our goals, we can reach a ripe old age and look back on our life only to see that we reached but a small part of our potential. When one learns to master the principles of setting a goal, he will then be able to make a great difference in the results he attains in this life."
-M. Russell Ballard

Have you tried setting big goals, but fallen short? Or do you feel overwhelmed with all that can be done and all the improvement that can be made? Don't feel this way. Everyone has room for improvement and has their own problems. Don't get down on yourself.

"If your goals are righteous, of God-given perspective, eternal in their nature, then go for them. Pray for the inner strength to have the discipline to do those things that will guarantee through your activity and your life that you will reach your goals. Then, I think, perhaps as important as anything, we have to have faith. We have to have faith in God. We have to have faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. And oh, how desperately we have to have faith in ourselves."       -M. Russell Ballard

Use the S.M.A.R.T. goal setting system.

Make your goals:

• Specific
• Measurable
• Attainable
• Realistic
• Timely

Let's keep our goals right on target by focusing on what is the most important. Our relationship with our Father in Heaven is essential. We can't forget to make spiritual goals among our other goals.Some ideas for spiritual goals that would benefit you include: praying daily, reading scriptures daily (if you don't have any let me know), attending church services weekly, holding a weekly family home evening, living the commandments and there are many others.

Don't forget to write down your goals somewhere that you will see them and record your progress!

If you'll do this 2011 will be your greatest year so far.

  
Thanks for reading.