What's the focus of your 2014 Goals?

As we close this year I wonder if you find yourself frustrated that you didn't fulfill the goals you set at the start or feeling empty even through you did accomplish them? Either-way, I'd suggest a possible shift in the approach to setting goals for this next year.If you are anything like me our initial goto focus of our goals is very centered on ourselves. While we do want to continue to find ways to improve ourselves, the primary emphasis should be centered on the two things that Jesus calls the most important things.

Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself. - Matthew 22:37-39

The largest percentage of our goals should center around goals that enhance our relationship with God and goals that help add value to people.Two Essential Areas of Focus in 2014:1. Growing my relationship with GodOur major goal should be to know God more and to accomplish more of His purpose for our lives. This verse in Matthew illustrates the key of this different focus.

"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. - Matthew 6:33"

I think most of us have heard this verse but do we live it? Is the focus of your life primarily focused on knowing God and His purpose or on doing what you want and what makes you happy? Not always an easy question to answer but all of us need to take time at the beginning of this new year to evaluate and put God's purpose FIRST in 2014. I personally found that I as I seek God's purpose over my own agenda that all that I have in my heart is coming to pass.

• ALSO: I wrote a quick blog earlier on 5 Keys to Grow your relationship with God.

2. Adding value to the relationships in my lifeOften our personal growth can add value to those around us, but more often than not we tend to focus our resolutions or goals on helping ourselves. Consider this challenge to us from the book of Philippians.

"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. - Philippians 2:3-4"

Two great ways to do this is setting personal goals that help others, but also setting specific goals to help others. How could you encourage more or give more to others this year? I had the honor today of spending a few minutes with a great creative and genuine man of God name Cubby Graham. He has an infectious love for people. He said. "People are the goal, not the means to a goal."When we make this shift from self-focused goal setting to God & people centered goals, you'll come to the end of the year with more joy and fulfillment than a year of focus on "self-improvement".I'm heading into 2014 with great expectation as I learn to trust God at greater levels and elevate the lives of those around me!