Planning and assessing the progress I am making in my life is what I like to do in the days between Christmas and New Years. Sure, I watch a college bowl game or two, but my biggest joy comes from giving direction to the next 365 days of my (the Lord willing) life.
The assessment time is both exhilarating and frustrating. Some of my plans have come into reality, while others are as far from completion as they were an entire year ago. Yet, through it all, I am convinced I am further into my life potential than I would be if I didn’t plan and assess.
Among other things, I give thought to the following:
1. What version of the Bible will I read? What is my Bible reading plan?
2. What one thing should I improve in each of my life roles? Father? Husband? Friend? Pastor? Workout partner? Son? Brother? Human Being? Citizen?
3. What do I want to accomplish in the next 25 years? 20 years? 15 years? 10 years? 5 years? This year? Is my plan and strategy adequate to accomplish these things?
4. Am I living consistently with my values, competencies, passions, and personal mission?
5. Am I all in on the Great Commission and the Great Commandment?