Goal-Setting with Lara Casey: My 2015 Vision

On Saturday, I posted about the first steps in my 2015 goal-setting process. Tonight, I’m going to share the results of the next few steps: the vision I’ve written for my year, as well as what I’m saying YES and NO to in 2015 to support that vision. I’ve loved writing vision statements the last two years, and I’m excited to take this year’s statement to heart and bring it to life.

My Vision for 2015:

Above all else, I will seek and FIND GOD WHOLEHEARTEDLY this year. I will FOLLOW where He leads, going and doing and creating in line with His heart.  I will live fully in each day without worry, fear, or fretting for what may or may not be ahead. I will have hope for all God has planned, but I will also wholeheartedly embrace right where I am TODAY, because I don’t want to miss one moment of what God is doing right here, right now.  I will keep an open heart to His way, delighting in any unexpected adventures and possibilities He might bring my way. I will make meaningful memories with friends and family, and I will live in a balance of experiencing the stories and telling them — celebrating all God is doing in my life and in the lives of others. I will make the most of this season, filling my life and heart with all that fires me up and points me to Jesus. I will continue to be a woman who lives an inspired life for God, and I will continue to invite and encourage others to do the same.

To support this vision, here is my list of YES and NO for 2015:

I’m saying NO to…

*Comparison
*Fear, worry, fretting (I want to live fully in each day without fear of what tomorrow may or may not hold)
*Doubt that God has a good plan for my life (HE DOES! He is good, and He works all things for good)
*Being late/disorganized
*Extremes (in health, work, life)
*”Shoulds”
*Anything that’s weighing me down (I saw something on Pinterest that said: “If you don’t need it, get rid of it!” I love that! Such a great reminder!)

I’m saying YES to…

*Creating for God
*Memorizing scripture
*A fitness routine I LOVE and will stick to
*Prayer
*Cell-phone-free time
*Fresh, whole foods
*Possibilities
*Hope
*Celebrating all the ways my story is UNIQUE
*Living in the moment
*Mindfulness
*Everyday adventures (like taking myself out to breakfast, coffee, the library, or to an inspiring museum)
*Making art “just because”
*Collaborating and creating with others to make meaningful things (keeping my community focus from last year!)
*Regular journaling
*Thinking about the BEST, not the WORST (Phil. 4 8-9)
*Intentional use of money
*A generous, humble heart
*Mentoring and encouraging others

I really want to live “on purpose” this year, making the most of where God has me and all He’s doing in my life, and I think this vision and these lists will help me do that. I also think they will help me notice and give thanks for the unique ways God has written my story. There have been far too many times I’ve allowed the unexpected parts of my story to cause insecurity and doubt, rather than allowing them to serve as an opportunity to meet and connect with God.

I’ll be back in another couple of days to share my goals for the year. I’m not rushing the process, so I’ll let my vision and lists sink in a bit before moving on to actually writing down the goals that are beginning to take shape.

And now I’m off to make a little cup of cocoa and join in on tonight’s #FireworkPeople chat. If you don’t know about that amazing community, definitely check it out. It’s like hot chocolate for your spirit. Seriously! So wonderful  and encouraging! :)

Are you following along on Lara’s goal-setting process? If so, how’s the process going for you? Have you hit any roadblocks or discovered anything surprising about yourself or God’s plan for you in working through her steps?

 * Image via Lara Casey *