January 2025

Weekly Challenge: Redefining Your True Identity

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When someone asks, “What do you do?” how do you respond? Many of us reply with roles or titles—our job, being a parent, a spouse, a friend, or a neighbor. While these titles are meaningful, they can also box us in, limiting how we see ourselves. But here’s the truth: we are far more than any title we claim. Our true identity is found in who God says we are. We are His children, beloved and uniquely created. That is the most powerful title we could ever hold.

This Week’s Challenge:
Think back to your childhood. What made your heart soar? What filled you with joy and excitement? What did you love doing without hesitation? Those moments often reflect the gifts and passions God has placed within us. They are clues to the abundant life He wants for us—a life filled with love, purpose, and joy.

As you explore these memories, ask yourself how they align with your life today. Are you nurturing those God-given passions, or have they been pushed aside by responsibilities and expectations? God created each of us with unique talents and desires, and by leaning into them, we not only honor Him but also rediscover the joy and fulfillment we were designed to experience.

 

Weekly Challenge – Begin with…

Weekly Challenge / By

Starting 2025 with weekly challenges again. This week’s challenge comes from the ‘How to win friends and influence people’ book.

Whether at work or home, we usually have someone that we need to have an uncomfortable discussion with. The uncomfortable discussion of something they did wrong or not following the rules. I don’t know about you,but I hate these discussions because usually it’s the persons blind spot where they don’t even realize they are doing something wrong. The worst thing you can do is let the behavior continue though.

Here comes your challenge. Before you engage in conversation with the person , think of a few things they are doing well or something you like about them. This is what you start the conversation out with. This needs to be from the heart and not fake. People can tell when you are being fake.

Begin with praise and appreciation. This will have the person you are talking with be more open minded to the real point you are trying to make. They let their guard down to allow you to build them up.

Who do you need to have conversation with this week?

What positive things can you talk about in the beginning?

How can you build them up instead of tearing them down?

Stop the New Years Resolutions

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At the beginning of the year, many people adopt the “New Year, New Me” mindset and create resolutions they’re determined to stick with. Yet, more often than not, these resolutions are abandoned by the end of January. Why does this happen? Resolutions often lack depth, alignment with our purpose, and a clear plan for success.

This year, I challenge you to think bigger. Don’t just focus on resolutions—embrace a mission-driven approach to your life. Discovering and pursuing your life’s mission is more fulfilling than any short-term resolution. A mission isn’t about this year; it’s about your lifelong purpose. When we’re aligned with our mission, the work feels meaningful and energizing, not overbearing and difficult.

How to Discover Your Mission

Finding your mission starts with reflection. Consider your strengths and God-given gifts. Tools like online strength-finder and spiritual gifts tests can provide clarity. Here are a couple of resources you can explore:

Step 1: Define Your Mission

Your mission should leverage your strengths and gifts to contribute to something greater than yourself. Ask yourself:

  • What do I want to accomplish in 5, 10, 15, or even 20 years?
  • What is God calling me to do?

It might feel overwhelming or unrealistic at first, but trust that your mission is a nudge in the right direction.

Step 2: Gain Clarity

Once your mission is clear, it’s tempting to dive in immediately. However, without a plan, you’re likely to hit roadblocks. Planning bridges the gap between your mission and your goals.

Create a High-Level Plan

  1. Break your mission into 5 year period milestone achievements (5, 10, 15, 20 years).  Where do you need to be at the end of the each 5 year period to achieve the mission?
  2. Break the next 5 years into annual goals. For each year, ask: What must I accomplish this year to stay on track?
  3. Divide annual goals into quarterly goals, then monthly goals (projects), and finally weekly tasks.

Keep It Simple

  • Define your mission or purpose.
  • Break it into yearly and quarterly goals.
  • Further break quarterly goals into monthly projects.
  • Turn monthly projects into weekly tasks.

Pro Tip: People with clear, written goals are 42% more likely to achieve them than those who don’t. (Source: Dominican University of California)

Step 3: Track Your Progress

If you can’t measure your progress, you can’t manage it. Tracking is essential for maintaining momentum. Choose a method that works for you, whether it’s a journal, an app, or a spreadsheet. Regularly review your progress to ensure you’re on track.

Step 4: Remember Your Why

Motivation naturally ebbs and flows. To keep moving forward, you need a strong “why.” Why is your mission important to you? This deeply personal answer will sustain you during challenging times and remind you that you’re on the right path.

Step 5: Celebrate Small Wins

Celebrating small victories is non-negotiable. Don’t wait until you’ve achieved your ultimate goal—acknowledge and celebrate progress along the way. These moments of joy fuel your journey and keep you motivated.

This year, trade in fleeting resolutions for mission-driven planning. By aligning with your purpose, gaining clarity, and tracking progress, you’ll create a life that’s not only productive but deeply fulfilling. Let’s make this year the start of something meaningful!