We have goals, hopes that drive us. They are reminders of the reasons we are making the sacrifices and dedication needed to keep us focused. Yet sometimes our goals fall flat on their face before we can even get out of the starting gate.

We compare ourselves to others.

She is a better writer, she is a better cook, she is a better mom.

We wrestle with the notion that our best is not sufficient, so why even try. Our goals become pushed to the side, because they sound juvenile in comparison to the person who is about to climb Mt. Everest.

But God’s not comparing us to the person who is climbing Mt. Everest, so why are we?

God is looking at your unique gifts and talents, and asks you to be the best steward you can with these things, and if you are faithful with what He has given you He will bless you with more.

His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness.

Matthew 5:21

We look at the person who has achieved so much and question our purpose.

Yet God sees things through a different scope.

God says, “If you can write… go write…”

Me, “But only a few people read my blog…”

God says, “I chose those few…”

If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be.

1 Corinthians 12:17-18

God’s thoughts are not our thoughts (Isaiah 55:8)

So when we compare ourselves to others we add an unnecessary weight on our shoulders, because your journey is totally different than there’s.

You are personalized by God. He doesn’t want you to be the person you are comparing yourself too. He wants you to be you. So what is your next step? Your next goal based on your individual journey and makeup?

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord,  not human masters.

Colossians 3:23

How to stay focused on your goals?

• Keep a journal and track your progress – So when you start getting discouraged, you have recordable proof that you are going in a forward motion.
• Don’t compare yourself to the glimpses of others lives – I guarantee they have good days and bad days just like you. Change is not an overnight sensation. It is a one day at a time in the right direction.
• Start afresh – When you mess up, don’t kick yourself to the point you think you are a failure. Think of ways to avoid that mistake and move on.
• Keep your eye on the prize – Remind yourself of your goals and why you desire to achieve them.