The strategic planning exercise we participated in at Ashland University challenged me. I had done the same type of activities in other settings, but our instructor simplified it for us.

He suggested the process to get from where we are to where we want to be includes three elements:

1. Daily Diversion: We were challenged to have something in our schedule every day to help us get to our end goal. Spiritually speaking, this might be a time of meditation, scripture reading, spiritual observation in nature, silence…and the list goes on and on. The point is to have something that turns your mind toward the goal and exercises the muscles you want to develop.
2. Weekly Withdrawal: We were challenged to withdraw from our regular activities once a week and focus on our goal. For me, this is connecting with a Christ-centered community in a worship service of some kind.
3. Annual Abandonment: We were challenged to once a year withdraw for a special event that focuses on our goal. For me, I have gone to a monastery for a silent retreat, participated in a healing care group, attended retreats, taken a special class, etc. There are so many things to do that help us focus on outcomes.

No matter what we are hoping to achieve, this simple formula can be applied.

Read: 2 Timothy 4:7-8

I love the confidence Paul had knowing he had reached his goal. As I keep my outcome goal before me, I want to be able to say that I, also, have fought the good fight, I have finished the race and I have remained faithful!

How about you?