James Goddard is a great example of someone who refused to drift along in life. As a teenager, he wrote down 127 specific things he wanted to accomplish. He included goals he would like to accomplish, places he would like to go, people he would like to meet, and the type of person he would like to become. Those goals included milking a rattlesnake, reading the entire Encyclopedia Britannica, and climbing to the top of Mt. Everest! In the last report I heard, he had accomplished the majority of those goals. He was able to accomplish theme because he had first identified them. Click here if you missed Part 1 of this series.

View Part 1 Here

To identify what you want to change in your life, it is helpful to imagine the rest of your life as a book with blank pages. Now picture yourself writing how the book will end. God gave us the right to compose the ending of our own book when He gave us the power to choose. What will you choose?

What would you like to do? What would you like to become? What would you like to accomplish? Whom would you like to meet? Where would you like to go? Define exactly what you want, or change will never happen.

Area #5 Physical Life and Health: This is one I’m working on right now! Proper weight, exercise, blood pressure, etc., are obviously important factors in your life. If you are not concerned about these things, you should be. If your health deteriorates, how can you enjoy what you accomplish in any of these other areas? Write down the areas of health you feel you specifically struggle with and start changing them today.

Area #6 Social Life and Relationships: Set goals for your relationships. Write down what you desire. Maybe you need some new friends, ones who will encourage you to keep growing and changing. How will you meet them? Maybe you need to change something about your relationship to your spouse or need to spend more time with your children. Identifying what needs to be changed is the first step to actually making those changes real.

Area #7 Psychological and Emotional Life: Some of us need more alone time or quiet time. Some of us have negative, addictive behaviors that need to be broken. Maybe you need counseling to help you overcome some past hurts. Don’t be ashamed! Determine not to let negative emotions rule your life any longer. Seek the help you need and move forward with your life.

Area #8 Fun and Adventure: Yes, you should have goals for this category as well! Just like Goddard, jot down all your desires, regardless of how unrealistic they may seem at the moment. Have you always wanted to cruise the Caribbean, watch whales in Hawaii, learn to drive a racer, or attend a Broadway play? Write it down! Today, you speak the desire out. Tomorrow, you live the adventure.

Once you have identified your specific desires in these 8 major areas and defined (and written down!) your goals, you are ready to take the next step toward preparing yourself for change!

Which of these 8 areas do you most struggle with and why? Let me know in the comment section below!

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