The other day, my second-grade daughter Quinny came home from school absolutely beaming. As I was going through her book bag, there was a colorful circle—her 2025 Goal Wheel. It was filled with bright pictures, words she had carefully written herself, and dreams she was already chasing. Things like “be more kind,” “learn more about Jesus” and “get into the Farmer’s Market.” It was simple and sweet… and it stopped me in my tracks.
Here I am, a grown woman who has spent years diving into personal development books, listening to the podcasts, writing down the big goals, and doing all the “grown-up” things. Yet, there was something so refreshing, pure, and powerful about Quinny’s goal wheel. It reminded me of the why behind goal setting in the first place.
The Journey of Goal Setting
The Importance of Setting Goals
Setting goals gives us direction. And when those goals are prayed over and surrendered to God, they become something even greater. They become part of His plan for us. It’s like drawing a map, but letting Jesus hold the compass. He knows the way, even when we can’t see the whole picture. Goals keep us focused, inspired, and moving forward—whether we’re 7 or 77. Without them, it’s easy to drift, to get stuck in the day-to-day routine and forget that we’re made for more. God made us for more. He planted those dreams in our hearts for a reason.
Goals are hope in action. They take what’s in our hearts and turn it into something we can work toward—with Jesus by our side.
Seeing Life Through a Child’s Eyes
What struck me the most about Quinny’s wheel wasn’t just the goals themselves, but the way she approached them—with joy, excitement, and total belief that she could make them happen. Kids don’t overthink it. They don’t get bogged down by fear of failure or self-doubt. They simply dream, write it down, and go for it.
And I realized—maybe this is exactly what Jesus meant when He said we need to have faith like a child. To dream without limits. To believe in ourselves before the world gives us a thousand reasons to doubt. To trust that God is good, that He loves us, and that He has good plans for us (Jeremiah 29:11). Quinny wasn’t worried about how or when—she just believed. And maybe we need a little more of that childlike faith in our grown-up lives.
Quinny focused on personal, academic, and professional goals. Even though she is still a seven year old girl that loves to laugh, play with her brother and friends, and push the limits at time, she is always working on being a better human who loves Jesus! In March 2025, she met one professional goal of “Get into the Farmer’s Market” that she has been working on for 2 years! We are so extremely proud of her and love how her school implements this into their curriculum at every age!
Quinny selling her handmade art at the Farmer’s Market in Early 2025
Personal Progress: From Inspiration to Action
Revisiting My Own Goals
Later that night, I pulled out my own journal. I flipped back through pages of goals I had written months ago. Some I had achieved. Some I had completely forgotten about. And some still make my heart race with excitement. Quinny’s simple act reminded me that goal setting isn’t something we do once and then forget. It’s a living, breathing part of life.
I prayed over those pages, asking God to show me where He wants me to go next. To help me let go of goals that no longer serve His purpose and to step into the ones He’s calling me toward. It’s okay to revisit, rewrite, and realign as we grow. His mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23), and we get to keep moving forward in grace.
Progress isn’t always linear, but it’s always worth celebrating—especially when we know we’re walking hand-in-hand with Jesus.
Encouraging a Goal-Setting Mindset in Our Kids—and Ourselves (Rooted in Faith)
As a mom, I know how easy it is to get caught up in doing all the things for everyone else. But teaching our kids the power of setting goals gives them tools they’ll carry for life. And even more importantly, we can teach them to invite God into their dreams and plans. Whether it’s learning how to ride their bike, making a new friend, or reading a challenging book, they’re building belief in themselves—and in the One who made them.
As moms and parents, we need to model this too. Let them see us praying over our goals, asking God for guidance, and trusting His timing. When they see us going after our God-given dreams—whether it’s running a 5k, starting a new hobby or business, or simply carving out quiet time with Jesus—they learn that life isn’t just about achieving, it’s about trusting.
If you’re looking for encouragement, accountability, or a friend to pray with you, I’d love to connect. We’re in this together—and with Jesus leading the way, there’s no limit to the good things ahead. they can achieve their aspirations, just like Quinny is learning to do.
Leave a Reply