I am constantly learning and enjoy discovering and applying new concepts.  This year I decided to take a different approach, when I learned that there are two types of goals, and they both have different impacts on one’s life. One is attained goals and the second one is habitual goals; the latter being more influential with long lasting results.

Difference between Attained goals and Habitual goals: To explain this, attained goals is when you give yourself a deadline that you would like to accomplish such and such a goal by a specific time. An example would be I would like to lose 20lbs by May 20th, whereas habitual goals is incorporating a habit, and through repetition make it become natural in the end. In this case, an example of habitual goal would working out three times a week and creating or building it in your schedule. After a few repetitions, this becomes part of your routine and you do it without thinking of it. Through the latter you may even end up with better results than if you had set up an attained goal.

Effects of habitual goals:  In the Bible in Joshua 1:8 God is admonishing Joshua to ensure that the book of the law is constantly in his mouth (reciting it) and meditating on it day and night so that he may do what it says thus he will be prosperous and successful. God wanted it for Joshua through repetition for the contents of the book of the law to become second nature to him. Through meditating and doing what the book of the law was commanding, Joshua was able to establish new habitual goals and in the process equally replace bad habits. It takes a good habit to overcome a bad habit.

What habitual goals are you setting for yourself or think should you set for yourself. If you’re not sure, take inventory of some bad habits you’ve been trying to kick out of your life, and choose some good ones to replace them.