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Depending on where you live, it can feel like the season will never change when you’re in the midst of winter. Some of our Fishhook team members absolutely crave snow while the rest of us are dreaming of warm days when the sound of flip-flops can be heard in our hallways.

Regardless of the weather outside your window, what season are you in as a church? Life in ministry has an ebb and flow, doesn’t it? Some fast-paced seasons are filled with excitement and momentum. Other seasons require that we retreat for contemplation, prayer and planning.

We find there are also seasons for goal setting and achieving. Many churches try to tackle something new in the weeks leading up to Easter ... and guess what? You still have time!

As you review your 2017 goals, what can you accomplish by Easter? (It’s April 16 this year, but you probably knew that, right?)

You still have time to check at least one of those annual goals off the list, but it’s time to get moving! Here are a few tips to help you make the most of the weeks ahead:

• Know what – State your goal clearly. Do you ever find yourself saying, “One of these days, we need to....”? Is it time to refresh your website? Build a new display? Create a visual identity guide? Implement a social media content calendar? Make today “one of those days.”
  
  
• Know why – Beyond just the great feeling of checking something off your list, remind yourself of “the why” behind the goal. How will this goal expand your ministry’s impact? What individuals or groups will benefit from the change? How could this help someone to grow relationally or spiritually? Post “the why” in your office to motivate you to keep making progress on the days when it feels like you can’t possibly make time.
  
  
• Know how – List the steps it will take to reach the goal ... each and every step. What resources or approvals do you need? Who else needs to know or offer input? Will you need additional help with the tasks? Who can help you meet the goal? When can each person fit their “to-do” items into their schedule? Estimate how long each step will take and load it into a great project management tool like Basecamp or Teamwork.
  
  
• Know when – When is it due? Even if there isn’t a clear deadline, choose one and hold yourself to it. Walt Disney said, “Everyone needs deadlines. Even the beavers. They loaf around all summer, but when they are faced with the winter deadline, they work like fury. If we didn’t have deadlines, we’d stagnate.” Very true. Goals and tasks with no deadline end up in Neverland, surrounded by good intentions. Can you block off a whole work day to make progress on your goal? If not, schedule weekly time in your calendar to make progress on your goal.

We believe that you and your work matter, so know that we are cheering you on! If you need more help, please let us know.

Feel even more prepared for Easter with our FREE Easter Communications Kit. Click below to download!