Clear Goals, Action Steps, and Obstacles

What You Will Learn

• Turn a wish into a clear, measurable goal
• Break goals into small action steps
• Help a client anticipate obstacles and plan responses
• Complete a one-page Goal Plan on paper

Lesson Notes

From Wish to Goal

A wish says, “I want to do better.” A goal says what, how much, and by when. Many people learn this as SMART goals. In plain words, a strong goal is:

• Specific: clearly says what she will do.
• Measurable: she can tell when it is done.
• Achievable: possible with her time, resources, and rules.
• Relevant: connected to her values and vision.
• Time-bound: has a date.

Example: “Read one chapter of Proverbs each morning for 30 days” instead of “Read my Bible more.”

Action Steps

Big goals become real through small steps. Ask: “What is the very first step?” “What can you do this week?” Good steps are small enough that the client is fairly sure she will do them. Nehemiah rebuilt the wall section by section; each family built the part near their house (Nehemiah 3).

Counting the Cost: Obstacles

Jesus spoke of counting the cost before building (Luke 14:28). Coaches help clients name likely obstacles and plan ahead:

• “What might get in the way?”
• “If that happens, what will you do?”
• “Who could help?”

Write an if–then plan: If I miss a morning, then I will read at lunch. Obstacles inside a facility (schedules, lockdowns, limited supplies) and after release (transportation, supervision rules, money) are normal; plan for them without shame.

The Goal Plan Form

The one-page Goal Plan has: the goal (in clear terms), why it matters (value), three to five action steps with dates, likely obstacles with if–then plans, support people, how progress will be checked, and a Scripture or prayer. The client writes it; the coach asks questions.

Key Terms

In-Class Activities

Wish to Goal

Rewrite each wish as a clear goal:

1. I want to get healthier.

2. I want to be closer to my kids.

3. I want to be ready for a job.

4. I want to grow in prayer.

Obstacle Planning

Choose one goal from Wish to Goal. List three possible obstacles and write an if–then plan for each.

Assignment: Complete a Goal Plan

With a composite client or a classmate on a low-risk topic, use the Bridge Conversation to complete a full one-page Goal Plan:

• One clear, measurable goal with a date.
• The value it connects to.
• Three to five action steps with dates.
• Two obstacles with if–then plans; support people; a Scripture or prayer.

Attach one paragraph describing which questions helped the client most.

Graded with the Module Assignment Rubric.

Reflection Journal

Luke 14:28 speaks of counting the cost before building. What goal have you started before without planning for obstacles? What would you do differently now?

Prayer focus: Ask God for wisdom to plan carefully and perseverance to take each step.

Counting the Cost

Jesus asked, “For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost?” Wise builders plan. They know what they are building, how much it will take, and what might get in the way.

A wish says, “I want to do better.” A clear goal says what, how much, and by when. “Walk 20 minutes during recreation time four days a week for six weeks” is a goal you can measure and celebrate.

When Nehemiah rebuilt Jerusalem's wall, each family worked on the section near its own house. No one built the whole wall at once. Goals work the same way: small action steps, one section at a time.

Obstacles are normal: lockdowns, schedule changes, transportation, money, discouragement. Plan for them with if–then plans. “If I miss a morning, then I'll read at lunch.” A plan for obstacles is not a lack of faith. It is wisdom.

Think About It

1. What wish in your life could become a clear goal? ______________________
2. What is the smallest first step? ______________________
3. What obstacle is most likely, and what is your if–then plan? ______________________

Daily Devotions for Week 5

Count the Cost

For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?— Luke 14:28 (KJV)

Wise planning looks ahead at what a goal will take.

Reflect: What will your goal really require?

Pray: Lord, give me wisdom to count the cost.

Do: List what you'll need to reach one goal.

Let Us Rise Up and Build

Let us rise up and build. So they strengthened their hands for this good work.— Nehemiah 2:18 (KJV)

Shared vision strengthens hands for work.

Reflect: Who could build alongside you?

Pray: Lord, strengthen my hands for good work.

Do: Tell someone about one goal you are working toward.

The Diligent

The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but of every one that is hasty only to want.— Proverbs 21:5 (KJV)

Careful planning beats rushing.

Reflect: Where are you tempted to rush?

Pray: Lord, make me diligent rather than hasty.

Do: Break one goal into three small steps.

Small Things

For who hath despised the day of small things?— Zechariah 4:10 (KJV)

Small steps are not small to God.

Reflect: What small step can you celebrate?

Pray: Lord, thank You for small beginnings.

Do: Complete one small action step today.

Commit Thy Way

Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.— Psalm 37:5 (KJV)

We plan the steps and trust God with the outcome.

Reflect: What outcome do you need to trust God with?

Pray: Lord, I commit my way to You.

Do: Pray over your goal plan and release the outcome to God.