By Anna Ram. Psychologist & Personal-Organizational Coach
As we approach mid-2025, it’s time to revisit our planning. At the start of January, I wrote a blog on New Year’s Resolution or Goals and How to embrace personal growth. Have you made any progress? Have you faced procrastination? Set new objectives? I’d love to hear your experiences! Remember that a plan is not a plan if it is not implemented with strategic planning and actionable steps.
I was pleasantly surprised by the global interest in my February blog on “Happiness.” Our happiness largely stems from the quality of our relationships, which are essential for a better future.
I also appreciate the private feedback on May’s blog about Motherhood. The topic is complex, and perceptions vary. Some view it as “overrated,” often due to identity loss and cultural narratives that overlook the challenges. But please remember these two things:
1. Healing and restoration between parents and children are promised by God.
2. We find beauty in motherhood through unconditional love, even when immediate rewards are scarce.
Planning in Current Environments
In our world’s current environment, we see families in conflict, many are going through unemployment, the economic fluctuations is affecting us all, entire populations are living in extreme fear and hunger as victims of war and displacement, etc. Although it can be argued that achieving our goals often requires a stable social context, a stable social environment provides several key benefits (support systems, access to resources) that reduces the stress and can facilitate goal attainment. Disruption of our systems leads to chaos, and while some leaders may believe chaos can create order, we are forced to reevaluate our goals and values with resilience.
If happiness in relationships is a goal, or any financial, business, school, ministry or personal goal, a strategic planning is essential. To help with this, I’ll share insights from my upcoming book, which began with the idea of “change” in the world and how obstacles like threats and distractions can hinder or motivate our progress. A threat is any potential harm to our well-being, while distractions divert our focus. Both have positive and negative aspects. The key to overcoming these challenges is FOCUS.
Every aspiration should be a SMART goal—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound—to ensure it becomes a reality rather than just a dream. If we Focus on Smart, our goals should look like this:
Specific: The goal should be clear and specific, answering the questions of who, what, where, when, why, to clearly define what is to be achieved.
Measurable: The goal should include criteria for measuring progress and success for tracking progress and determining when the goal has been met.
Achievable: The goal should be realistic and attainable, considering the resources and constraints, even if it is a challenging goal.
Relevant: The goal should matter to you and align with other relevant goals. It should be worthwhile and fit within your broader objectives.
Time-bound: The goal should have a clear deadline or time limit for completion, creating a sense of urgency and priority on tasks.
I have a stone on my desk that reminds me that “Not everything is written in stone,” emphasizing the need for flexibility in our pursuits if we need to make adjustments.
If you wonder how to work on your goals and need coaching or how your plans align with God’s plan for your life… These are important questions that deserve further exploration not only in future blogs but in a greater customized depth during consultation. I am available at: info@thisisanewday.org
For now, don’t forget to live in the present as you build you future because the world is not ending. Plan short term and long-term goals even if you feel “captive” in your circumstances. Do not forget to breathe deep and talk to God as you talk to a best friend.
Reflect on Romans 12:2: ” Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing, and perfect will.”
6 responses to ““Charting Our Course: Life Planning in Challenging Times””
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Something to remember every day….follow the plan, even if it only comes in baby steps, no matter how old we are, stay the course! God is in all the details!
Thank you and Bless you for your thought provoking writings!-
Thank you for your kind words! I completely agree, taking small steps consistently can lead to significant progress over time. It’s inspiring to remember that every effort counts and having faith in the journey can make all the difference. Blessings to you as well!
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Cuesta crear una meta definida para el año, pq una vive un día a la vez, por lo incierto del futuro.
La esperanza está enfocada y puesta en El Señor, que el obra con misericordia en este mundo tan conflictivo y q nos da lo q necesitamos y he comprobado q me da más de lo q he pedido.
Y no me queda más que ser agradecida cada día.-
La fe y la gratitud son esenciales, ya que nos brindan esperanza y nos ayudan a enfrentar la incertidumbre. La provision de Dios no vendria si no trabajaramos. Establecer metas y planificar es igualmente importante, ya que nos proporciona dirección y desglosa objetivos en pasos concretos, facilitando el progreso. Al combinar fe y gratitud con la práctica de establecer metas, logramos un equilibrio que transforma sueños en realidades alcanzables. Por ejemplo, si tu tuvieses el deseo de viajar a otro continente (Europa) una meta SMART para conocer especificamente un pais, (España) se escribiria asi: “Para noviembre de 2026, visitare al menos tres ciudades (Madrid, Barcelona y Sevilla) durante dos semanas, ahorrando $3,000 (cuanto al mes?) y planificando el itinerario con tres meses de anticipación.” Esto es una meta SMART que incluye aspectos específicos, medibles, alcanzables, relevantes y atado al tiempo, además necesitas un plan de acción detallado sobre cómo lograr tu objetivo o meta.(esos pasos pequenos de accion que se deben de dar.) El hombre propone y Dios[a] dispone. 2 A cada uno le parece correcto su proceder,[b]pero el SEÑOR juzga los motivos. 3 Pon en manos del SEÑOR todas tus obras,y tus proyectos se cumplirán. Proverbios 16:1-3
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Sometimes it is very difficult to plan your life. You have to crie for the Lord to change situation, because we are not able to do it ourselves.
Sometimes the mind is willing to change, but your body can’t follow the change.
We like to see great miracles, but God is working in little things. We are not aware enough to see this: a lot of small changes make at the end a big difference.-
Thank you for sharing your insights. I completely understand how challenging it can be to plan our lives, especially when we feel overwhelmed by circumstances beyond our control.
I resonate with your point about the mind wanting to change while the body sometimes struggles to keep up. It’s a reminder of how interconnected our mental and physical states are. Often, we have the desire and motivation to make changes, but our bodies can feel like they’re holding us back due to fatigue, stress, or other limitations. I believe it’s important to be gentle with ourselves during these times and to recognize that progress doesn’t always have to be swift.
Finding ways to nurture both our minds and bodies, whether through self-care, mindfulness, or seeking support, can help bridge that gap. I am a super fan of prayer and I agree that prayer and faith can provide comfort and guidance during these times. It’s also inspiring to think about how small changes can accumulate to create a significant impact. (see the pic on this blog again). I believe that recognizing and appreciating these little miracles in our daily lives can help us stay motivated and hopeful. How do you find ways to notice those small changes in your own life?
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