Welcome to 2026! In this episode of the Midlife Grace Podcast, your host kicks off the new year with a powerful and faith-centered guide to setting and achieving your goals. Forget vague wishes and resolutions that fizzle out by February. Learn how to apply the SMART Intentional Framework to turn your dreams into reality. By combining specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound goals with prayer and divine guidance, you can make 2026 your year of breakthrough, purpose, and victory.

What You'll Learn in This Episode

1. (00:00:00) Welcome to 2026: Embracing the new year with excitement and intention.
2. (00:01:55) Why vague goals like "lose weight" or "make more money" often fail.
3. (00:02:40) An introduction to the SMART goal-setting framework.
4. (00:03:15) S - Specific: How to gain clarity on what you truly want to achieve.
5. (00:04:30) M - Measurable: The importance of tracking your progress to stay motivated.
6. (00:05:55) A - Achievable: Setting realistic goals that stretch you without setting you up for failure.
7. (00:07:25) R - Relevant: Ensuring your goals align with your faith, values, and purpose.
8. (00:08:30) T - Time-bound: Why a deadline is crucial for turning a dream into a plan.
9. (00:09:30) A practical example of a well-structured SMART goal.
10. (00:10:10) The power of praying over your goals and partnering with God.
11. (00:11:00) A challenge to write down your SMART goals and visualize your success.

Where to Find the Host

1. Podcast: Midlife Grace Podcast

Key Terms & References

1. SMART Goal System: An acronym for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.
2. Scripture: Ephesians 2:8 - "For it is by grace that you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God."