I’ve talked about my marathon training before. That was an intense time. Lots of hours spent running and lots of early mornings and late nights. I couldn’t maintain that schedule for long, but it was manageable for a season.

After it was all done, I struggled not being disappointed with myself over what I wasn’t doing exercise-wise. In my mind, I wasn’t running enough or spending enough time at the gym or whatever. I would set goals for myself and stick with them for a short period of time, but then get down on myself when I wasn’t able to maintain. It took me a few months, but I eventually learned that I wasn’t setting proper goals for myself.

I was acting as though I was still in marathon training mode. That wasn’t sustainable for long-term given the schedule I keep, responsibilities I have, and what I need to keep myself mentally & emotionally healthy.

Setting proper goals became a game changer for me and started (and still is) bleeding into other aspects of my life.

I aim to lift weights 4 times per week. If I can get 5 in, great. If not, no big deal.

I aim to run/cardio 3 times per week. If I get more in, great.

I do daily devotions 5-6 days per week.

Once per week I set goals for the upcoming week and take 1 hour to recharge – that means various things each week.

I listen to sermons from various pastors 2 times per week.

I listen to worship music 5 days per week.

Proper & sustainable goals makes all the difference.

Over the next couple days we’re going to get into specific goals you need to have regarding STOP & START goals. But for now, I want you to think in terms of what’s manageable for you.

Often, guys set the bar too high for themselves and then get disappointed when they don’t achieve their goals. And what happens when a guy struggling with pornography gets down on himself, he copes with some unhealthy habits.

Equally often, guys set the bar too low for themselves and not setting themselves up to make any true progress.

I’m advocating to push yourself.

We also just talked about embracing discomfort.

Your goals should be realistic, measurable, and cause you some stretching & discomfort.

Talk with one of your Pauls if you need help. Those mentors can often help us find that balance.

Thoughts to Pray/Journal:

1. How have you been disappointed with yourself in the past over unachieved goals? What made those goals unreachable for you?
2. What causes you to get overwhelmed to the point you’re emotionally & mentally unhealthy? How can you avoid that in the future?
3. What do ‘proper goals’ look like for you?

Reading:

Catch Up Day!