# How to Prepare for a God-Honoring 2025  ## Introduction and Mindset Shift - The objective is to plan for 2025 in a way that glorifies [[God]], by getting clarity on priorities, organizing goals around those priorities, and creating a schedule to make progress on those goals throughout the year [(00:00:11)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnk8qQCG1cM&t=11s). - A mindset shift is necessary, as the way [[Christianity | Christians]] approach [[Goal setting | goal-setting]] should be distinct from the world's approach, which is often self-serving [(00:01:09)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnk8qQCG1cM&t=69s). - The goal of all goals for Christians is the glory of God, and goals are a vehicle to help increase [[Faithfulness | faithfulness]] in different domains of stewardship [(00:02:42)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnk8qQCG1cM&t=162s). - The chief objective is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever, as stated in the chief end of man [(00:02:59)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnk8qQCG1cM&t=179s). - A personal story is shared about how the realization that every year is a stewardship led to a change in approach to goal-setting and productivity [(00:03:35)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnk8qQCG1cM&t=215s). - The approach to goal-setting will involve exercises to help with prioritization, brainstorming three to five goals for the year, and creating a schedule to make progress on those goals [(00:00:25)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnk8qQCG1cM&t=25s). - The Redeeming Productivity Academy membership has a new curriculum that aligns with this approach to goal-setting and productivity [(00:00:53)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnk8qQCG1cM&t=53s). - The world's methods of [[Goal setting | goal-setting]] often focus on personal achievement and self-improvement, but the [[Christianity | Christian]] approach should focus on glorifying [[God]] [(00:02:21)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnk8qQCG1cM&t=141s). - Recognizing one's life as a stewardship is crucial, as it belongs to God, and this mindset can transform one's life, helping to prioritize goals and objectives for the new year [(00:04:01)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnk8qQCG1cM&t=241s). - A stewardship mindset involves understanding that one's life, including finances, relationships, and walk with the Lord, is not their own, but rather something to be managed for God's glory [(00:04:03)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnk8qQCG1cM&t=243s). - This mindset can help individuals set goals and priorities that align with bringing God glory, and it has been used to transform lives, enabling people to achieve their objectives, such as graduating from seminary or landing their dream job [(00:04:38)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnk8qQCG1cM&t=278s). ## Stewardship and Faithfulness - [[Bible | The Bible]] emphasizes the importance of [[Faithfulness | faithfulness]] in stewardship, as stated in 1 Corinthians 4:2, which says that stewards are required to be found faithful [(00:06:21)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnk8qQCG1cM&t=381s). - Faithfulness is the objective when approaching goals and planning for the new year, and it requires diligence and pursuit in all areas of life, empowered by God's grace [(00:07:16)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnk8qQCG1cM&t=436s). - To apply this mindset, one should recognize that 2025 is a stewardship, not their own life or year, but rather God's, and approach planning with the attitude of a steward, seeking to be found faithful [(00:05:52)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnk8qQCG1cM&t=352s). - As a [[Christianity | Christian]], one was bought with the precious blood of [[Jesus | Jesus Christ]] and is not their own, which means they should bring this attitude into their planning for the new year, changing their approach to [[Goal setting | goal-setting]] and prioritization [(00:05:58)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnk8qQCG1cM&t=358s). - Life can be divided into different domains of stewardship, which are areas where one is called to be faithful, and these domains require varying degrees of faithfulness during different seasons of life [(00:07:26)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnk8qQCG1cM&t=446s). - Faithfulness does not happen by accident, and it is essential to plan for it, rather than leaving it to chance or being carried away by the urgency of daily life [(00:08:13)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnk8qQCG1cM&t=493s). - Planning is a crucial aspect of Christian living, as wisdom requires planning, and it is not unchristian to plan for the future [(00:09:02)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnk8qQCG1cM&t=542s). - [[Bible | The Bible]], particularly the wisdom literature, often treats wisdom and planning as synonymous, citing the example of the ant that plans ahead for the season when grain will be scarce [(00:09:12)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnk8qQCG1cM&t=552s). - However, it is essential to avoid planning arrogantly, as James warns against boasting about future plans without acknowledging God's sovereignty [(00:09:42)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnk8qQCG1cM&t=582s). - Instead, plans should be made with the understanding that [[God]] is in charge and may redirect or change them, and it is essential to hold plans with an open hand [(00:10:09)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnk8qQCG1cM&t=609s). - Plans should also be realistic, avoiding unrealistic goals that are unlikely to be achieved, and instead, stretching oneself to achieve growth and holiness [(00:10:29)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnk8qQCG1cM&t=629s). - Ultimately, the goal of planning should be to grow in holiness and pursue a deeper relationship with God, making sure that part of the planning process involves growing in grace [(00:10:54)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnk8qQCG1cM&t=654s). ## Planning and Prioritization - To prepare for a God-honoring 2025, it's essential to walk closely with the Lord, as He is the center of all domains of stewardship, and everything flows from a spiritual life with Him [(00:11:07)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnk8qQCG1cM&t=667s). - Planning for relationships is crucial, and being intentional about goals for relationships with spouses, kids, friends, and church involvement is necessary [(00:11:27)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnk8qQCG1cM&t=687s). - It's essential to think broadly and not just focus on specific categories like health, finance, or career goals, but also plan for growth in [[Faithfulness | faithfulness]] in all areas entrusted by the Lord [(00:11:49)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnk8qQCG1cM&t=709s). - To do things right, clear God-honoring priorities, organized goals with a plan of action, and consistent effort on those goals are necessary [(00:12:07)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnk8qQCG1cM&t=727s). - The first step in preparing for 2025 is to get clear on what you're aiming at, which involves having a vision and idea of the end state you're setting goals to reach [(00:12:19)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnk8qQCG1cM&t=739s). - To begin, look back at the past year and rate your faithfulness in the seven domains of stewardship on a scale of 1 to 5, being honest with yourself [(00:12:51)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnk8qQCG1cM&t=771s). - For each domain, rate your faithfulness, note the actions you took, and celebrate the wins by giving thanks to the Lord [(00:13:47)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnk8qQCG1cM&t=827s). - Reflecting on the past year helps recognize the Lord's work in your life, and it's essential to acknowledge the progress made, no matter how small [(00:14:19)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnk8qQCG1cM&t=859s). - Finally, identify areas for improvement, which is a crucial part of looking ahead to the next year [(00:14:31)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnk8qQCG1cM&t=871s). ## Seven Domains of Stewardship - There are seven domains of stewardship: spiritual, physical, intellectual, rest/recreation, relational, vocational, and economical, which all need to be managed to honor [[God]] [(00:14:43)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnk8qQCG1cM&t=883s). - The spiritual domain is the most important, as it is the foundation for all other areas, and it involves having consistent habits in place for growing spiritually, such as abiding in [[Jesus | Christ]] and bearing fruit [(00:14:52)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnk8qQCG1cM&t=892s). - The physical domain involves taking care of one's body, which is a temple of the Holy Spirit, by exercising, eating well, and dealing with medical issues [(00:15:25)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnk8qQCG1cM&t=925s). - The intellectual domain involves feeding one's mind, pursuing wisdom, and loving God with all one's heart, soul, strength, and mind, which may involve setting intellectual goals such as reading [(00:15:50)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnk8qQCG1cM&t=950s). - The rest/recreation domain involves getting enough sleep and rest, as well as enjoying leisure time and the good things God has made [(00:16:12)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnk8qQCG1cM&t=972s). - The relational domain involves loving one's neighbor as oneself, being intentional about relationships, and serving others, which may involve setting goals for involvement with one's local church, neighbors, family, and friends [(00:16:27)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnk8qQCG1cM&t=987s). - The vocational domain involves fulfilling one's calling and occupation, whether it be a traditional job or being a full-time homemaker, and making sure to steward one's work well [(00:17:01)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnk8qQCG1cM&t=1021s). - The economical domain, or stewardship of one's household, involves managing one's wealth, giving financially, taking care of one's possessions, and being wise with investments [(00:17:25)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnk8qQCG1cM&t=1045s). ## Goal Setting and Implementation - To prepare for a God-honoring 2025, it's essential to be strategic and focus on areas that need the most work, rather than trying to set big goals in all seven domains, which can lead to exhaustion [(00:18:07)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnk8qQCG1cM&t=1087s). - The goal is to be a more faithful steward of spiritual and relational domains, and to brainstorm potential goals in each of these areas [(00:18:44)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnk8qQCG1cM&t=1124s). - The first step is to "get clear" by dreaming and thinking about priorities in the seven areas, and ranking them to identify which ones need the most work [(00:19:10)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnk8qQCG1cM&t=1150s). - Based on the ranking, it's recommended to choose three to five potential goals for the new year, circling the most important ones in the "what can I improve" section of the workbook [(00:19:55)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnk8qQCG1cM&t=1195s). - The chosen goals should be written down, along with the domain they fit into and the desired completion date, which can be a specific date or a quarterly goal [(00:20:34)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnk8qQCG1cM&t=1234s). - The goals should be specific, measurable, and achievable, and can be adjusted as needed, with the aim of making it an "insanely productive year" with significant growth [(00:20:27)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnk8qQCG1cM&t=1227s). - The [[Goal setting | goal-setting]] process involves brainstorming, choosing, and writing down goals, and then prioritizing and focusing on the most important ones [(00:19:08)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnk8qQCG1cM&t=1148s). - The workbook provides a section for each of the seven domains, where individuals can brainstorm potential goals and choose the most important ones to pursue [(00:18:52)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnk8qQCG1cM&t=1132s). - The goal is to make progress in the areas that need the most work, rather than trying to achieve perfection in all areas [(00:18:18)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnk8qQCG1cM&t=1098s). - Writing a "definition of done" for a goal helps clarify what achieving the goal looks like in the past tense, making it more specific and measurable, such as "I read at least one chapter of [[Bible | the Bible]] and spent 10 plus minutes in prayer at least 5 days per week" [(00:21:32)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnk8qQCG1cM&t=1292s). - Examples of definitions of done for different goals include having a date night at least once a month for a relational goal, taking time off work at least once every two months for a recreational goal, and increasing sales for a vocational goal [(00:22:41)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnk8qQCG1cM&t=1361s). - Defining what it means to achieve a goal in its end state is a great place to start, and there are resources available, such as the academy, for help with specific goals like health and nutrition coaching [(00:23:43)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnk8qQCG1cM&t=1423s). - It's essential to specify how a goal glorifies [[God]], as this is often overlooked when approaching goals, and this can be applied to any goal, not just spiritual ones [(00:23:49)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnk8qQCG1cM&t=1429s). - The motivation equation is a practical consideration for why goals should glorify God, and it's essential to define how a goal glorifies God, such as deepening one's relationship with Him and familiarizing oneself with His word [(00:24:35)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnk8qQCG1cM&t=1475s). - The motivational equation for achieving goals is motivation equals reason times plan minus pain, which can also be expressed as why times how minus how, where the "why" is the reason, "how" is the plan, and the equation must be greater than the pain or discomfort required to reach the goal [(00:25:12)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnk8qQCG1cM&t=1512s). - A well-written goal should include the reason, plan, and acknowledgment of the pain or discomfort required, but the reason should be strong and compelling to ensure motivation [(00:26:02)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnk8qQCG1cM&t=1562s). - A stronger reason for achieving a goal can be found by considering how the goal glorifies God, as this provides a more compelling motivation than personal reasons alone [(00:26:41)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnk8qQCG1cM&t=1601s). - To achieve a goal, it is essential to have a clear plan and be consistent in making progress, which can be achieved by identifying habits or implementation intentions that support the goal [(00:27:24)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnk8qQCG1cM&t=1644s). - An implementation intention is a formulation for a habit that specifies where, when, and what action will be taken to support the goal, which can help ensure consistency and progress [(00:28:20)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnk8qQCG1cM&t=1700s). - Having a clear understanding of how the goal glorifies [[God]] can provide a stronger reason for achieving the goal, making it more likely to stay motivated and complete the goal [(00:27:11)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnk8qQCG1cM&t=1631s). - Consistency is key to achieving a goal, and having a plan and implementation intentions in place can help ensure that progress is made regularly [(00:27:35)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnk8qQCG1cM&t=1655s). ## Scheduling and Tracking Progress - To achieve goals, it is essential to schedule time for them, as this increases the likelihood of success, and it's mainly a matter of time management [(00:28:29)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnk8qQCG1cM&t=1709s). - After setting three to five goals for the year, take the first goal and create a plan for consistently working on it by blocking out time in the calendar each week [(00:28:51)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnk8qQCG1cM&t=1731s). - Open the calendar and plan out specific times for working on the goal, making an appointment with oneself to ensure consistency [(00:29:07)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnk8qQCG1cM&t=1747s). - There are different approaches to scheduling time, depending on the type of goal, such as project-based or habit-based goals [(00:29:49)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnk8qQCG1cM&t=1789s). - For project-based goals, schedule big chunks of time, such as two hours once a week, and block them out in the calendar before it fills up [(00:30:22)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnk8qQCG1cM&t=1822s). - For habit-based goals, schedule smaller chunks of time, such as 30 minutes, multiple days a week, and track progress regularly [(00:30:48)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnk8qQCG1cM&t=1848s). - Tracking progress and reviewing goals regularly is crucial, and it can be done by keeping track of the time spent on the goal and using a system like "strokes" to monitor progress [(00:31:21)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnk8qQCG1cM&t=1881s). - A "stroke" is a unit of measurement for tracking progress toward a goal, where one stroke equals 30 minutes of work on the goal, and this system can be applied to both project-based and habit-based goals [(00:31:42)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnk8qQCG1cM&t=1902s). - The stroke tracker system normalizes goal tracking by providing a numerical way to represent any goal and track progress throughout the goal period [(00:32:21)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnk8qQCG1cM&t=1941s). - To effectively use the stroke tracker system, it's essential to review progress regularly, such as by scheduling a monthly appointment to reread the goal statement, review progress, and make necessary adjustments [(00:32:52)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnk8qQCG1cM&t=1972s). - Reviewing the goal statement, especially the part about how the goal glorifies [[God]], can help renew motivation and remind individuals that their goals are not just about personal achievement but about being a faithful steward [(00:33:17)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnk8qQCG1cM&t=1997s). - Having accountability, such as sharing goals with a spouse, friend, or mentor, and regularly updating each other on progress, can help individuals stay consistent and motivated in achieving their goals [(00:33:54)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnk8qQCG1cM&t=2034s). - Various forms of accountability can be effective, including working with a spouse, mentor, friend, or small group, and even discipling or being discipled by someone else [(00:34:31)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnk8qQCG1cM&t=2071s). - The goal of accountability is to build a supportive community that can help individuals stay on track and motivated to achieve their goals [(00:34:48)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnk8qQCG1cM&t=2088s). ## Redeem Productivity Academy and Resources - A community of 250+ believers has been formed through the Redeem Productivity Academy membership program to help individuals stay accountable and achieve their goals in a God-honoring way [(00:34:53)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnk8qQCG1cM&t=2093s). - The Redeem Productivity Academy is a membership program that includes a course, community, and other resources to help individuals get clear, organized, and consistent in their lives to glorify [[God]] [(00:35:21)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnk8qQCG1cM&t=2121s). - The community recognizes that achieving a God-honoring life is a lifelong journey and provides support and resources to help individuals stay on track [(00:35:36)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnk8qQCG1cM&t=2136s). - Quarterly goal challenges are held within the community, with the next one coming up for Q1 of 2025, where individuals can set and work towards specific goals [(00:35:56)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnk8qQCG1cM&t=2156s). - The community provides weekly habit check-ins, goal check-ins, and a public scoreboard to help individuals stay accountable and motivated [(00:36:17)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnk8qQCG1cM&t=2177s). - A new comprehensive [[Christianity | Christian]] productivity curriculum called "Waypoints to Well Done" has been released, which is a 9-week program that helps individuals achieve milestones in their lives [(00:37:02)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnk8qQCG1cM&t=2222s). - The "Waypoints to Well Done" curriculum is currently only available to members of the Redeem Productivity Academy and covers topics such as getting clear, getting organized, and getting consistent [(00:37:26)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnk8qQCG1cM&t=2246s). - The program is designed to help individuals get clear in their calling and create a "well done" statement, which was mentioned earlier [(00:37:47)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnk8qQCG1cM&t=2267s). - Defining [[Faithfulness | faithfulness]] in the long term involves creating a Christ-honoring purpose statement for life and defining aspirations over the next five years, which can be transformative and help achieve goals [(00:37:51)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnk8qQCG1cM&t=2271s). - The "get organized" phase involves [[Goal setting | goal setting]], creating a repeatable system for progress, and setting up a commitment tracking system to ensure accountability and follow-through on commitments [(00:38:18)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnk8qQCG1cM&t=2298s). - Building "power habits" is a key part of the process, starting with simple habits such as [[Bible]] reading and prayer, and gradually increasing frequency and adding new habits like exercise and organizing [(00:38:47)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnk8qQCG1cM&t=2327s). - The process involves developing a weekly schedule, practicing daily disciplines, and tracking commitments, with resources such as a workbook and a [[Christianity | Christian]] productivity planner [(00:39:21)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnk8qQCG1cM&t=2361s). - The Redeem Productivity Academy offers a comprehensive program with a new workbook, a notion workspace, and a waypoints goal planner, with a free trial option and discounts for members [(00:40:30)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnk8qQCG1cM&t=2430s). - The academy offers a free trial for seven days, allowing access to the first week of the new curriculum, with options for a monthly or yearly subscription [(00:40:57)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnk8qQCG1cM&t=2457s). - A community is available to meet and connect with, and events can be attended, including office hours, where discussions and conversations can take place [(00:41:03)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnk8qQCG1cM&t=2463s). - An invitation is extended to try out a 7-day trial to see if the community and resources are useful in making desired changes in the new year [(00:41:12)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnk8qQCG1cM&t=2472s). - A 30-day money-back guarantee is offered, allowing individuals to join and try the resources without risk, and a refund will be provided if not satisfied, even after staying past the trial period [(00:41:31)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnk8qQCG1cM&t=2491s). - The resources, including a course, are designed to be affordable and helpful in achieving goals, and can be accessed by joining the Redeeming Productivity Academy [(00:41:43)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnk8qQCG1cM&t=2503s). - The academy can be joined today, and the 7-day trial can be started immediately, with the option to try the course and new resources [(00:41:53)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnk8qQCG1cM&t=2513s). - Questions and inquiries can be directed to Reagan via email, which can be accessed through the newsletter or event invitations [(00:42:02)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnk8qQCG1cM&t=2522s).