How to Set Goals That Actually Change Your Life (A Simple, Intentional Guide)

Noelle Griest
Jan 3
5 min read

Welcome back lovelies!

I wanted to start the new year strong and I think you do too... hence why you clicked on this blog post lol😋

If I could summarize my top three passions, it would have to be...

well living out my faith in everything I do is above all, living a slow and intentional life, and being hyper organized.

I've always been that girl who had her planner in hand. And while I still value Google calendar, nothing will ever beat a cutesy planner, handpicked by you.

For me, goal setting has always been more than just a to-do list or a productivity trick... It really shapes how you live your life with purpose and direction. And when I set goals thoughtfully, I notice I create some sort of roadmap for my entire life that reflects my dreams.

In this blog post, I am giving you my method and strategies on setting intentional goals without the overwhelm. I'll walk you through why goal setting matters and how to do it well, especially as a young Christian woman seeking wisdom and balance.

You ready? Let's get planning!

Why Goal Setting Matters

Setting goals keeps you accountable. It helps you organize your overwhelmed brain and gives you the satisfaction of checking off completed tasks. Planning ahead often frees up more time, which you can enjoy more fully when your life feels organized.

HOWEVER, there is a crucial point to remember: goals must be rooted in wisdom and humility. I have no intention in setting a goal that is not rooted in God's plan for me. So, without aligning your goals with God’s desires, motivation will falter, and plans will fail.

Goal setting is not just about pushing yourself harder; it’s about walking a path that honors your faith and keeps you away from burnout or laziness.

How You Will Benefit From Goal Setting

When you set clear goals, you gain:

Clarity in daily and future decisions
Motivation to keep moving forward and dream bigger
Confidence in the direction you are heading

These benefits help you live intentionally, not just reactively.

*What Is Goal Setting?

Goal setting means intentionally planning your future by defining what you want and outlining steps to achieve it. It is a process of dreaming, planning, and acting with purpose.

Step 1: Become a "Creative Dreamer"

Start by letting your imagination run free! This is my favorite step:) Think about what success looks like for you.

Are you in college, working your first job, juggling a side hustle, or traveling? Your current season shapes your dreams.

Take time to journal a Dreamer Statement. Write a few sentences describing your biggest hopes and dreams. Don’t hold back. Dream boldly and prayerfully.

For example:

“I want to grow in my faith while building a career that helps others. I dream of traveling to serve communities and learning new skills that honor God.”

If you skip this step, goal setting can feel super overwhelming or even pointless. God won’t just hand you your dreams without your effort. Planning creatively and prayerfully helps you move from wishful thinking to intentional action.

We first need to be in communication with God and pray about what goals and dreams He's laid on our hearts💕

Step 2: Set Wise and Humble Goals

Once you have your dreams, narrow them down to goals that reflect God’s will for your life. Ask yourself:

Does this goal align with my values and faith?
Am I seeking God’s guidance in this?
Is this goal realistic and kind to my well-being?

Goals set with wisdom and humility are more likely to succeed because they come from a place of purpose, not pride or pressure.

I started a Winter Arc Challenge with God and I'd looooove for you to join! From ❄️January to the end of March🍀 we are focusing on "God-centered goals" so we can become the best version of ourselves in God.

I wrote an ebook all about the rules and goals you can use for the next 90 days. My hope is that this book will inspire you. If you are interested, click link below! The Ebook is on my Linktree⬇️

Read Winter Arc w/ God Ebook

Step 3: Break Goals Into Manageable Steps

Big dreams can feel intimidating. Break each goal into smaller, clear steps. For example, if your goal is to improve your health, your steps might be:

Drink more water daily
Walk 30 minutes three times a week
Prepare healthy meals on Sundays

Each small step builds momentum and makes your goal feel achievable.

Step 4: Schedule and Track Your Progress

Put your steps on a calendar or planner. Scheduling helps you stay accountable and see your progress. Use reminders or apps if that helps you stay on track.

Tracking progress also lets you celebrate small wins, which keeps motivation high.

Using a planner to schedule goals helps maintain focus and celebrate progress.

I have many helpful habit tracker and calendar templates for you under the "Resources" tab, free of cost⤵️

Check It Out

Step 5: Pray and Reflect Regularly

Goal setting is more than just any old task; it’s a spiritual practice.

Pray for guidance and strength as you work toward your goals. Reflect on what’s working and what needs adjusting.

If a goal no longer fits your season or God’s plan, it’s totally okay to change it! Flexibility shows humility and wisdom. Don't let yourself get stuck and lose momentum. Reevaluating is perfectly healthy✨

Step 6: Avoid Burnout by Balancing Effort and Rest

Goal setting should protect you from burnout, not cause it. Balance your efforts with rest and self-care.

Remember, God values your well-being.

If you feel overwhelmed, please just pause and pray. Adjust your goals or timeline if needed. Rest is part of intentional living.

I have been burnt out before and it's not fun 😞 In my opinion, out of all these steps, this is one the hardest yet most important steps for succeeding your goals. Pray, reflect, and evaluate your progress so burnout is nowhere near your future.

Final Thoughts: let's celebrate

YOU DID IT! My inner Elaine is dancing with joy for your accomplishments! You just took a great step in just reading this post and actually caring about goals for the new year. Take a moment and celebrate👏

Goal setting is a powerful tool for transforming your life with intention and faith. It brings clarity, motivation, and confidence when done with wisdom and humility. Start by dreaming boldly, then plan carefully, pray often, and take small steps forward.

Your goals should reflect your values and God’s desires for you. When they do, you’ll find yourself moving toward a life that feels purposeful and joyful.

Take time today to write your Dreamer Statement and begin your journey of intentional planning. Just write down 5 goals for the new year and start from there. Break the goals down for each month. Don't overthink it. With God's help, all things are possible!

Your future self will thank you. As always, thank you so much for reading my blog🫶 Reach out any time. I'd love to hear from you!

Finally, I started creating a Monthly Bible Study Plan for my wonderful subscribers! Each month, I will post on my Linktree, a free PDF of each month. January is focused on "God's faithfulness" Each day has a verse for you to read and a question for you to ponder and journal.

If you'd like January's plan, clink link below🥰

I WANT THIS PLAN ASAP📩

Blessings,

Noelle🌻