Setting Goals...

After reading my sister in law's blog about her goals I have had the impression that I need to do the same thing. Over the last year since I have been home from my mission I must admit my goal setting has not been as consistent as it should be. I was reminded of this during personal study this week as I am going back through "Preach My Gospel". Currently I am studying the section on using time wisely, I thought it would be important to go back over this as school is starting tomorrow and I have working almost full-time. As I was studying the section of setting goals this quote stuck out to me "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." ( Elder M. Russel Ballard). So I have determined that goals are something that will help us to become more like our Heavenly Father, and will help us to make the most out of this life.

As I thought about what goals I need to set for this semester of school, I remember a zone conference in which my mission President taught the importance of setting goals. There were a couple of things that he spoke to us that stuck out, but the one that stuck to be the most important to me was when he used the acronym S.M.A.R.T. He pointed out that when we set goals in our lives the have to be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Time bound. I remember that the time that I study most in high school was right before the test, because I knew that "Judgment Day" was right around the corner. So as I set goals for this semester of school and life I am trying to remember this principle of goal setting and making the most of the life.

My goals for this semester are going to fall under three categories...educational, spiritual, and personal. I have thought this over and think that these categories will cover all of the areas in my life which I feel like that I need to progress in.

Personal:
1). Run at least 6 miles a week. I feel that if I do this I may be able to drop off the pounds that I have gained from being married, and also take better care of my body.
2). Walk with my wife every night. I have made this a goal as I know that this will increase our time with each other and help us to keep communicating with each other about the things that are going on in our lives at that moment in time. An added benefit to this is that we both enjoy it very much, and love spending time with each other.

Spiritual:
1). Daily scripture study and prayer. I have realized how important it is to keep this a priority in my life, as the blessings that come from it are vital in my life. I also have found that if I put Heavenly Father first my studies and personal life improve.
2). Attend the temple every week with my wife. I love the spirit that is in the temple, along with the chance that I get to be in the house of the Lord. I personally feel that this is the best date that you can have with your spouse.

Educational:
1). Carry a 4.0 this semester! I know that this is probably going to be one of the toughest goals that I am setting this semester but it is needed. I feel that in order to accomplish this goal I need to cut media down to almost nothing, so I am only allowing myself one hour of television a week, and one outing. That outing of course during the fall is going to be BYU football games!
2). Complete all the readings and homework the day before class, so that I will be able to review the material that the professor is teaching and not be hearing it for the first time.

These are my goals for this semester and of course they are S.M.A.R.T. I know that the principle of setting a goal is not easy but it is important. I also know that I can do all things if I remember the Lord, and put my mind to it.