Creating a Vision Plan for the New Year

Guiding Scripture: Proverbs 29:18 - “Where there is no revelation, people cast off restraint; but blessed is the one who heeds wisdom’s instruction.”

• Research shows that while about 60 percent of Americans make New Year’s resolutions every year, only about 8 percent of them actually keep them. Now, I’m no goal setting expert, but I suspect that part of the reason for this discrepancy is because having goals is not the same as having a vision.
• Goal (via Merriam-Webster) - something that you are trying to do or achieve
• Vision (via Merriam-Webster) - something that you imagine: a picture that you see in your mind
• Take time to pray and ask God about His vision for your life.
  1. Proverbs 16:3 - “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.”
• Seek guidance about your vision from mentors and trusted advisors, especially involving major decisions.
  1. Proverbs 15:22 - “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.”
• Write (or print) your vision plan and review it often.
  1. Habakkuk 2:2 - “Then the Lord answered me and said: ‘Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it.”
• Be flexible and willing to adjust your vision plan when necessary.
  1. Proverbs 19:21 - “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.”
• 5 categories to include in your vision plan:
  1. Your relationship with God.
  2. Your relationships with family and friends.
  3. Your finances.
  4. Your health.
  5. Your career.

Action Step: Schedule time before the new year to do “vision casting” with your family (or an accountability partner if you’re single). Write (or type) out the vision and submit it to God in prayer, and be willing to make adjustments as the Lord leads.

References:

• "Vacant Vision: See It Before You See It" - Sermon from Michael Todd, Transformation Church