In my second installment on the subject of a personal mid-year review I want to focus on the steps taken towards achieving our goals. My yearly beach vacation provides pure moments of introspection which lead to a clear sense of direction.
Why walks on the beach are easy
Each time I go to the beach there is nothing more relaxing than walking along side the water’s edge, feeling the coolness as your feet embrace the sand. Sounds peaceful because it is. I can walk for miles only to turn back and do it all over again. This is much different however if I was to walk on the dunes, where the loose sand slows me down and where my feet dig deeper. Additionally, a storm can change my initial thoughts on the distance. When assessing your plans and directions it is important to understand the path you have taken and the surrounding factors.
Assessing Plans and Direction
Once our goals are reviewed we need to make sure our plans are aligned with our objectives and that we are walking on the right path. Are you on track to achieve your goals? Are you making decisions and creating habits that get you closer to your goals? These questions are not meant to intimidate but rather calibrate your compass. It might not always be easy – waves can rise up the shore line unexpectedly or a storm might be on the horizon – and you might need to make some adjustments. Knowing your direction will allow you to keep pushing forward.
I admire King David for his raw sensibility to life. While the bible describes him as a “man after God’s own heart,” King David experienced many ups and downs. He made mistakes, errors in judgement, but kept his compass towards God. I think that is why he continued Psalm chapter 37 with verse 23:
“If the Lord delights in a man’s way, he makes his steps firm; though he stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand.”
As God plants seeds of desire for His people, He also provides clarity and strength for the road ahead.
Great leaders continually assess the path they are on and are not afraid to make adjustments when needed.
David Marques 