Summary

Have you ever felt like you are running in circles, doing a thousand things, but never actually getting closer to your big dreams? We often use the words "goals" and "objectives" interchangeably, but they are actually two very different tools in a Christian woman's toolkit. In this practical episode of the Arise, Women of God podcast, host Tamara K. Anderson joins advisory board member and event planner Amanda Powell to answer the question: What is the purpose of goals and objectives?

We move from scattered ideas to a tactical roadmap by defining the difference: your goal is the mountain peak (the strategic vision), and your objectives are the footsteps (the tactical daily actions) required to get there. Amanda shares her brilliant business secret for securing 10 sponsors by reverse-engineering it into a daily objective of calling 3 companies a day. We also discuss the "Dopamine of a Checklist"—why checking boxes works for some and stresses out others—and the "Bubble Bath Fallacy," exposing the lie that busyness equals success. If you are ready to solve the pain of busy burnout and start measuring your success by obedience rather than exhaustion, this episode will show you how to align your big vision with your daily steps.

Episode Takeaways

1. Goals vs. Objectives: A goal is the strategic destination (what you want to do or who you want to become). An objective is the tactical action step (your feet moving daily) to get there.
2. The Math of Success: Amanda shares how to reverse-engineer a massive goal. To get 10 sponsors for an event, she knows she needs to contact 100 companies. She breaks that 100 down into a daily objective: call 3 companies today. Specific objectives take the mystery out of the miracle.
3. The Bubble Bath Fallacy: Women often measure their worth by their busyness, leading to exhaustion that no amount of bubble baths can fix. True success isn't about doing more; it's about doing the right things.
4. Seasons of Rest: Look at nature—there is a reason for winter. You cannot hustle 24/7. God designed seasons of rest and renewal. If your goals don't include a strategy for rest, you are setting yourself up for burnout.

Resources

Are you ready to stop winging it and start winning it? Download our FREE Guide to Goal Setting. It will help you define your big strategic goal with God and break it down into daily tactical objectives. 👉 Download the Guide Here: https://www.womenwarriorsoflight.com/offers/WyaLn2gS/checkout

Need accountability? Check out our Women Warriors Accountability Group for free for two weeks! https://www.womenwarriorsoflight.com/join-now

Reflection Questions

1. Look at your current to-do list. Are you just "busy," or are those tasks actual objectives leading to a specific goal?
2. How would you break down your biggest goal into a daily action step (like Amanda's 3 phone calls a day)?
3. Are you a "box checker" or a "get it done" person? How can you tailor your daily routine to fit your personality?
4. Do you measure your success by how exhausted you are at the end of the day? How can you embrace a "winter season" of rest this week?

Transcript

https://www.womenwarriorsoflight.com/blog/what-is-the-purpose-of-goals-and-objectives

Summary

Do you ever feel like you are running a race with no finish line? You are checking off your daily goals and staying busy, but at the end of the day, you feel exhausted, empty, and aimless. Most women get stuck because they are focusing on the what without the why. In this empowering episode of the Arise, Women of God podcast, host Tamara K. Anderson joins advisory board member Amanda Powell to answer the essential question: What is the difference between a purpose and a goal?

We move from scattered tasks to a focused calling by introducing the "Staircase of Stewardship." Amanda explains that your purpose is the fire that gets you out of bed (the destination at the top of the stairs), while your goals are the individual footsteps required to get there. We discuss how it is completely normal for your purpose to shift through different seasons of life—from the ambition of graduation to the pure survival mode of raising kids on the autism spectrum. Finally, we break down the story of Queen Esther, revealing how her terrifying, bite-sized goals (like asking the king to a party) were the stepping stones to her massive, nation-saving purpose. If you are ready to stop just surviving your to-do list and start living your divine mission, tune in to find your fire!

Episode Takeaways

1. The Staircase Analogy: Your purpose is the destination at the top of the stairs (the "why"). Your goals are the individual steps you take to get there (the "what"). You need both to move forward.
2. Seasons of Purpose: Your purpose isn't set in stone for 50 years. Tamara shares how her purpose shifted from career ambitions to simply "surviving" while raising two children on the autism spectrum. God meets you in the messy seasons just as much as the monumental ones.
3. Cottage vs. Mansion: Borrowing from a previous episode, if your goals are building a cottage but God's purpose for you is a mansion, you will feel constant friction. Make sure your "steps" are leading to His destination.
4. The Queen Esther Strategy: Esther’s purpose was to save a nation, but her goals were small and terrifying (e.g., asking people to fast, inviting the king to a banquet). Big purposes are achieved through small, faithful goals.

Resources

Are you ready to define your fire and map out your footsteps? Download our FREE Guide to Goal Setting. It will help you find the specific purpose God is placing on your heart for this season and map out the goals to get there. 👉 Download the Guide Here: https://www.womenwarriorsoflight.com/offers/WyaLn2gS/checkout

Need accountability? Check out our Women Warriors Accountability Group for free for two weeks! https://www.womenwarriorsoflight.com/join-now

Reflection Questions

1. If your goals are the "stairs," what exactly is waiting at the top of the staircase for you right now? Have you defined your purpose for this specific season?
2. Are you exhausted because you are checking off goals (steps) that don't actually lead to a meaningful purpose (destination)?
3. Looking back 10 years, how has your purpose changed? Have you given yourself permission to let your purpose evolve?
4. Read the story of Esther. What is one "small, scary goal" God is asking you to complete today to fulfill a larger purpose tomorrow?

Transcript

https://www.womenwarriorsoflight.com/blog/what-is-the-difference-between-a-purpose-and-a-goal

Summary

Have you ever set a goal that you were deeply passionate about—maybe a dream God placed on your heart—only to let it sit on a shelf for a decade because you were afraid you wouldn't do it perfectly? Most of us think we fail because we lack discipline or willpower, but the truth is we are usually stopped by invisible walls of perfectionism and fear. In this episode of the Arise, Women of God podcast, host Tamara K. Anderson and advisory board member Amanda Powell answer the high-stakes question: Why people fail to achieve their goals.

We move from the pain of "paralysis by analysis" to the courage of stepping into a divine mission. Amanda shares her incredible story of writing a life-changing reading curriculum, only to hide it in a drawer for seven years because she was terrified of a typo. Tamara reveals how the right mentor (just two doors down!) helped her solve a 50-year habit of nail-biting, and we discuss the "Bully Wall"—how a trauma from sixth grade can still be secretly stopping your progress today. If you are ready to identify the mental claws of the past that are holding you back, this episode will give you three life-changing questions to shift your focus from your fear to the good you can do.

Episode Takeaways

1. The Perfectionism Block: Amanda hid her curriculum for 7 years because she was afraid it wasn't "good enough." Perfectionism is just a sophisticated way for the adversary to keep your spiritual gifts hidden. God wants progress, not flawlessness.
2. The "Nail Biter" Mentor: Tamara failed to stop biting her nails for 50 years. She finally succeeded when she asked her neighbor (a nail tech) for help. Often, we fail simply because we are trying to solve a problem alone instead of asking a qualified mentor.
3. The Bully Wall: Sometimes our inability to move forward isn't about the goal; it's about who we were at 12 years old. Tamara realized her fear of podcasting stemmed from being bullied in 6th grade. You must identify and heal past trauma to unlock future progress.
4. 4 Life-Changing Questions: When fear hits, ask yourself: 1) Why do I believe I can't do this? 2) Why do others believe I can’t do this? 3) What would it mean to me if I could do this? 4) Where will my life be in 5 years if I actually achieve this? Focus on the joy of the outcome, not the anxiety of the process.

Resources

Are you ready to dismantle your "Bully Wall" and finally launch the dream you've been sitting on? Download our FREE Guide to Goal Setting. It features the "Don't Quit Emergency Kit" to help you work through the fears holding you back. 👉 Download the Guide Here: https://www.womenwarriorsoflight.com/offers/WyaLn2gS/checkout

Need accountability? Check out our Women Warriors Accountability Group for free for two weeks! https://www.womenwarriorsoflight.com/join-now

Reflection Questions

1. What is the "curriculum" or dream you have been hiding in a drawer because you are afraid it isn't perfect?
2. Are you trying to solve a "50-year problem" by yourself? Who is one mentor or expert you could ask for help this week?
3. Think about a goal you keep abandoning. Is there a "Bully Wall" from your past (a fear of judgment, rejection, or failure) that is secretly stopping you?
4. Ask yourself: Where will my life be in 5 years if I actually achieve this goal? How does that vision make you feel?

Host & Guest

Tamara K. Anderson @tamarakanderson

Amanda Powell @abundance_principles_

Transcript

https://www.womenwarriorsoflight.com/blog/why-people-fail-to-achieve-their-goals

Summary

Have you ever set a beautiful goal, only to watch it crumble because life got in the way or you simply lost momentum? Most of us think we fail because we lack willpower. But the truth is usually found in the way the goal was written to begin with. In this practical episode of the Arise, Women of God podcast, host Tamara K. Anderson joins advisory board member Amanda Powell to answer the high-stakes question: Why do goals fail?

We move from the frustration of setbacks to the peace of "becoming." Amanda, a special education teacher, shares her expertise on setting objectives that actually work. We discuss the critical difference between a "Setback" and a "Learning Step," and why focusing on who you are becoming is more important than checking a box. Amanda also shares a raw, personal story about attempting the 75 Hard program and getting COVID—revealing the danger of all-or-nothing goals and why learning to listen to your body is sometimes the greater victory. If you are ready to stop shaming yourself for missing a day and start partnering with God to discover the specific spiritual gifts you need to succeed, this episode is for you.

Episode Takeaways

1. The Baseline vs. The Goal: We often focus so much on the finish line that we forget to set the objectives (the path) to get there. Start with your baseline (where you are now) and celebrate every small step of progress.
2. The "What Lack I Yet?" Prayer: Instead of just gritting your teeth, ask God: "What gifts do I have to reach this goal, and what gifts do I need?" Asking for specific spiritual gifts changes goal setting from a solo performance to a divine partnership.
3. Setback vs. Learning Step: Amanda suggests eliminating the word "setback" from your vocabulary. When you get sick or miss a day, rename it a "Learning Step." What did that moment teach you about your body, your schedule, or your need for grace?
4. The 75 Hard Trap: Rigid, all-or-nothing goals (like 75 Hard) often lead to total defeat when life happens (like getting COVID). Flexibility isn't failure; it's wisdom. Listening to your body is often a more important goal than pushing it.

Resources

Do you need a plan for when you fall off the wagon? Download our FREE Guide to Goal Setting. It features the "Don't Quit Emergency Kit" to help you turn your setbacks into learning steps without giving up. 👉 Download the Guide Here: https://www.womenwarriorsoflight.com/offers/WyaLn2gS/checkout

Need accountability? Check out our Women Warriors Accountability Group for free for two weeks! https://www.womenwarriorsoflight.com/join-now

Reflection Questions

1. Look at a goal you recently "failed." Was it because you lacked willpower, or because the goal was too vague (e.g., "write a book" vs. "write 1 hour on Tuesdays")?
2. Have you ever prayed the specific question: "Father, what spiritual gift do I need to achieve this goal?" Try it today.
3. Are you currently in a "Learning Step"? What is God trying to teach you in this pause that you couldn't learn while running full speed?
4. Do you have an "all-or-nothing" mindset (like 75 Hard)? How could you modify your goal to "75 Soft" or "75 Grace" to make it sustainable?

Transcript

https://www.womenwarriorsoflight.com/blog/why-do-goals-fail

Summary

Have you ever set a goal with total excitement, only to have it crash and burn within two weeks? Most of us look at our failed goals and think, "I just don't have enough willpower." But the truth is much deeper. In this episode of the Arise, Women of God podcast, host Tamara K. Anderson joins Kari Anjewierden and Tiffany Fletcher to answer the question: Why goal setting fails (and how to align with God’s plan instead).

We move from the frustration of setting the wrong goals to the peace of following a divine roadmap. We discuss the "Lofty Trap"—why trying to jump from 0 to 100 is a recipe for disaster—and the crucial difference between building a "Cottage" (your vision) vs. a "Mansion" (God's vision). Tiffany shares her personal journey of overcoming the fear of starting a podcast by simply hitting record (baby steps!), while Tamara reveals the specific ways the adversary tries to "dam" your progress. If you are tired of constant failure, this episode will equip you with a "Don't Quit Emergency Kit" to cast out discouragement and find your momentum again.

Episode Takeaways

1. The Lofty Trap: Failure often comes from trying to jump from 0 to 100 mph (e.g., working out 6 days a week when you currently do 0). Success is found in incremental growth—going from 0 to 5, then 5 to 10.
2. Cottage vs. Mansion: Kari shares a powerful insight: "My vision is a cottage, but God's vision is a mansion." If your blueprints don't match God's, you will feel constant friction. Make God the CEO of your goals to ensure you aren't building the wrong thing.
3. Momentum is Key: Tiffany overcame the overwhelming goal of "Starting a Podcast" by breaking it down to just "hit record." Action creates momentum. You don't need to know the whole path; you just need to take the next baby step.
4. The Adversary's Dam: Discouragement isn't just an emotion; it's a tactic. The adversary wants to "dam" (stop) your progress. When you feel the mental battle of "you can't do this," use the specific protocol to cast him out and invite light back in.

Resources

Do you need a plan for when you want to quit? Download our FREE Guide to Goal Setting. It features the "Don't Quit Emergency Kit"—a specific protocol to help you cast out the adversary and get back on track. 👉 Download the Guide Here: https://www.womenwarriorsoflight.com/offers/WyaLn2gS/checkout

Need accountability? Check out our Women Warriors Accountability Group for free for two weeks! https://www.womenwarriorsoflight.com/join-now

Reflection Questions

1. Look at a goal you recently failed. Did you try to go from 0 to 100? How could you break that down into a 0-to-5 step?
2. Are you building a cottage or a mansion? Ask God today: "Are my blueprints aligned with Yours?"
3. When discouragement hits, do you view it as a personal failure or as a spiritual attack? How does changing that perspective help you fight back?
4. What is one "baby step" you can take today to build momentum (like Tiffany hitting record)?

Transcript

https://www.womenwarriorsoflight.com/blog/why-goal-setting-fails

Summary

Have you ever started a goal with massive excitement, only to have a family crisis, illness, or flooded house make it feel impossible? Most of us quit because we interpret obstacles as a "stop sign" from God, when they are actually just a pivot point. In this episode of the Arise, Women of God podcast, host Tamara K. Anderson joins Wendi Christensen and Kari Anjewierden to answer the question: How to stay accountable to your goals when life falls apart.

We move from rigid perfectionism to flexible stewardship by exploring the "Messy Middle Mindset." Wendi shares her real-time experience of a home flood that forced her to pivot from organizing closets to gutting her kitchen—proving that sometimes God jumpstarts our goals in ways we didn't ask for. Kari explains why we must "Record the Miracles" even in the hardest weeks, and Tamara shares a personal story of losing her voice during a major deadline, which taught her the spiritual power of delegation. If you are ready to solve the pain of disruption-induced guilt and learn why your worth is not tied to your work, this episode will help you delegate, rest, and reward your way to the finish line.

Episode Takeaways

1. Expect the Storm: Obstacles are not "if," but "when." Like a tree that bends in the wind, your success depends on your ability to pivot, not your ability to stand rigid. Wendi’s flood didn't stop her goal; it just changed the timeline and method.
2. The Messy Middle: The middle of any project (like cleaning a pantry) looks worse than the beginning. Kari reminds us to expect the mess so we don't quit when chaos peaks. This is the prerequisite for the miracle.
3. The Power of Delegation: When Tamara lost her voice, she didn't cancel the podcast; she delegated it. Accountability sometimes looks like asking for help. Delegation isn't failure; it's empowering others to step up.
4. Rest is a Strategy: We often tie our worth to our exhaustion. But the Creation story teaches us: Work, Work, Rest. You cannot sustainably achieve any goal without scheduling rest. It is an act of faith to stop.

Resources

Are you trying to do too much? You need a "Not-To-Do List" to clear the clutter and make room for your actual mission. Download our FREE Guide to Goal Setting to get the exact template we use to prune our schedules. 👉 Download the Guide Here: https://www.womenwarriorsoflight.com/offers/WyaLn2gS/checkout

Need a community to help you pivot? Join our Accountability Group! https://www.womenwarriorsoflight.com/join-now

Reflection Questions

1. Think of a recent "obstacle" (sickness, car trouble). Did you view it as a stop sign or a pivot point? How would a "pivot mindset" change your reaction next time?
2. Are you currently in the "Messy Middle" of a goal? What is one miracle you have seen in the mess this week? (Write it down!)
3. Is there a task you are white-knuckling that you could delegate to someone else? Who might need the opportunity to grow by taking it on?
4. Do you believe your worth is tied to how tired you are? What would it look like to schedule "guilt-free rest" this week?

Transcript

https://www.womenwarriorsoflight.com/blog/how-to-stay-accountable-to-your-goals

Summary

Have you ever set a goal to better yourself, only to have a sudden crisis—like a sick family member or a flooded basement—pull the rug out from under you? Most of us abandon our goals the moment things get difficult because we think accountability means being perfect. But real growth happens in the pivot. In this episode of the Arise, Women of God podcast, host Tamara K. Anderson joins Wendi Christensen and Kari Anjewierden to answer the high-stakes question: How to hold myself accountable when life falls apart.

We move from the "all or nothing" trap to a resilient, mission-driven mindset. Kari shares the importance of "Pre-Planning for Distractions"—anticipating the adversary's attacks so they lose their power to stop you. Wendi opens up about a literal flood in her home and how giving herself permission to eat sushi and watch TV instead of cleaning was actually an act of spiritual strength, not failure. We also explore the Daniel Strategy, showing how Daniel and his friends stayed true to their mission in a foreign land by leaning on team accountability. If you are ready to stop measuring your "Gap" (failures) and start celebrating your "Gain" (progress), this episode will give you the crisis emergency kit you need.

Episode Takeaways

1. Pre-Plan for the Adversary: Distractions are guaranteed. If you plan for them (e.g., "If I can't find my shoes, I will do this instead"), they lose their power to derail you. Expect the mental chatter and have a rebuttal ready.
2. The Sunday Report: Accountability isn't just about checking a box; it's about reporting to God. Tamara shares how a weekly "Sunday Report" helps her celebrate the 4 days she showed up rather than shaming herself for the 1 day she missed.
3. The Flood Pivot: Wendi's story of her home flooding teaches us that sometimes the most spiritual thing you can do is pause, eat cake, and rest. Resilience isn't about pushing through trauma; it's about pivoting with grace.
4. The Daniel Strategy: Daniel didn't stand alone; he had Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Accountability is a team sport. When you are in a "foreign land" (a hard season), you need friends who share your values to help you stand firm.

Resources

Need a "Crisis Emergency Kit" for your mindset? Download our FREE Guide to Goal Setting. It features the "Don't Quit Emergency Kit" to help you pivot without giving up. 👉 Download the Guide Here: https://www.womenwarriorsoflight.com/offers/WyaLn2gS/checkout

Need a team like Daniel had? Join our Accountability Group! https://www.womenwarriorsoflight.com/join-now

Reflection Questions

1. What is one distraction the adversary usually uses to stop you? (e.g., "I can't find my shoes," "I'm too tired"). What is your pre-planned response?
2. Do you measure the "Gap" (what you didn't do) or the "Gain" (what you did do)? How would your week look different if you celebrated the "Gain"?
3. Have you ever experienced a "flood" (crisis) where you tried to push through instead of pivot? How can you show yourself grace next time?
4. Who are your "Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego"? Do you have a team holding you up, or are you trying to stand alone?

Transcript

https://www.womenwarriorsoflight.com/blog/how-to-hold-myself-accountable-for-goals

How to Hold Yourself Accountable to Goals

Summary

Have you ever set a high-energy goal on January 1st, only to find yourself completely unmotivated and alone a month later? Most of us fail not because we lack vision, but because we lack a system of support to keep us moving when the newness wears off. In this practical episode of the Arise, Women of God podcast, host Tamara K. Anderson joins Wendi Christensen and Kari Anjewierden to answer the question: How do you set goals and hold yourself accountable?

We move from the lonely struggle to a divine partnership by breaking down the mechanics of follow-through. Wendi explains how to use the "Stress CBT Approach" to categorize your goals (Physical, Mental, Spiritual, Financial) so you solve actual problems rather than just creating busy work. Kari shares the "Nashville Buddy System"—proving that a simple phone check-in can increase your success rate to over 90%. We also discuss the "Doable Goal" principle (why 5 minutes of scripture is better than an hour of guilt) and the importance of finding a mentor to help you skip the messy middle. If you are ready to shift your mindset from performance to stewardship, this episode will help you stop quietly quitting on your dreams.

Episode Takeaways

1. The Stress CBT Approach: Wendi suggests categorizing goals based on your current stressors (Physical, Mental, Spiritual, Financial). If you are stressed about health, set a goal there. Don't set random goals; set goals that solve your pain.
2. The Nashville Buddy System: Kari shares how she walks "with" her sister in Nashville via phone. You don't need a local gym buddy; you just need a commitment to check in. This simple act skyrockets success rates.
3. The Doable Goal: Set a goal you know you can achieve (e.g., 5 minutes of reading) rather than an ideal goal (1 hour). Consistency builds confidence. You can always increase the time later, but you can't build a habit on failure.
4. Mentorship Shortcuts: Sometimes you don't need a buddy; you need a guide. Tamara shares how consulting a doctor for weight loss helped her skip the "messy middle" of guessing. Seeking wise counsel is a form of spiritual stewardship.

Resources

Need a buddy to keep you on track? Join our Accountability Group at Women Warriors of Light! You can also download our FREE Guide to Goal Setting to help you categorize your stressors and find your starting point. 👉 Download the Guide Here: https://www.womenwarriorsoflight.com/offers/WyaLn2gS/checkout

Need accountability? Check out our Women Warriors Accountability Group for free for two weeks! https://www.womenwarriorsoflight.com/join-now

Reflection Questions

1. Look at your current stressors. Which category (Physical, Financial, Spiritual) is causing you the most anxiety right now? Is your current goal helping to solve that?
2. Do you have a "Nashville Buddy"? Who is one person you could text today to ask for a weekly check-in?
3. Are your current goals "Doable" or "Ideal"? If you are failing, how can you shrink the goal to make it 100% achievable this week?
4. Read Luke 12:42-43. How does viewing your goals as "stewardship" (taking care of what God gave you) change your motivation compared to viewing them as "performance"?

Transcript

https://www.womenwarriorsoflight.com/blog/how-to-hold-yourself-accountable-to-goals

Summary

Do you feel like your most productive years are behind you? Maybe the kids have moved out, your roles have shifted, and you are wondering, Is it too late to start something new? The world tells us that at age 50 we should be winding down, but in God's kingdom, this is actually your prime time for impact. In this inspiring episode of the Arise, Women of God podcast, host Tamara K. Anderson joins Sandy Falter and Tiffany Fletcher to answer the question: How to set life goals at 50 (or 40, or 60!).

We redefine midlife not as a crisis, but as a "refinement." Tiffany shares her brave story of going back to graduate school at age 49 to become a mental health counselor, proving that God's timing is never late. Sandy opens up about the "Empty Nest Identity Shift"—moving from being needed as a mom to being needed as a daughter of God with a new mission. We discuss the "GPS Detour" principle, explaining why God often hides the full map of our future to keep us from running away in fear. If you are ready to dust off the talents you shelved for motherhood and embrace your role as a mentor to the next generation, this episode is your invitation to dance, write, and lead again.

Episode Takeaways

1. The Empty Nest Reassessment: Midlife isn't an ending; it's a shift. Hormonal and role changes are God's natural signal to reassess your purpose. You have wisdom, maturity, and time now that you didn't have before—use it.
2. God's "Both/And" Promise: When Tiffany worried about missing out on being a grandma, God told her, "You can do both." You don't have to choose between family and a new calling; God can expand your capacity for both.
3. The GPS Detour: God often takes us on detours (like Sandy becoming a grief coach after a personal tragedy) that we didn't plan. Trust that the "GPS" knows the safest and most impactful route to your destination, even if you can't see the full map.
4. Dust Off Your Talents: Many women shelf specific talents (writing, art, leadership) during the intense years of mothering. Now is the time to take them off the shelf. If it was your talent then, it is still your talent now—it just needs some dusting.

Free Resource

Ready to discover your new divine assignment? Download our FREE Guide to Goal Setting. It features the "Sacred Brainstorm" worksheet, specifically designed to help you hear God's voice in this new season of life. 👉 Download the Guide Here: https://www.womenwarriorsoflight.com/offers/WyaLn2gS/checkout

Reflection Questions

1. What is one talent or passion you "shelved" while raising your family? Is God asking you to dust it off now?
2. Do you view this season as "winding down" (retirement) or "refinement" (new mission)? How does changing that word change your outlook?
3. Have you experienced an "identity crisis" as your roles have shifted? How can anchoring yourself as "God's Daughter" first stabilize you?
4. If God showed you the next 10 years of your life today, would you run in fear? How can you trust Him with just the next step?

Transcript

https://www.womenwarriorsoflight.com/blog/how-to-set-life-goals-at-50

Summary

Do you feel like your life is a constant battle against a messy house, a loud schedule, and a list of goals you’ve already failed twice this month? We are often told the key to success is just "trying harder." But for Christian women, the secret isn't more willpower—it’s better systems. In this episode of the Arise, Women of God podcast, host Tamara K. Anderson joins Sandy Falter and Amy Johnson to answer the question: How to organize your life and set goals without spiraling into the "shame vortex."

We explore the "Divine Order of Organization," moving from chaotic busyness to purposeful stewardship. Sandy shares how she uses Atomic Habits and habit stacking (like making her bed to trigger prayer) to set up an environment where success is inevitable. Amy reveals how she transformed her family’s spiritual life by starting with a simple dinner routine, and Tamara introduces the life-changing "Not-To-Do List" hack that creates room for your actual mission. If you are ready to shun the shame of broken routines and embrace intentional rest as a productivity strategy, this episode is your roadmap.

Episode Takeaways

1. Systems > Willpower: Success isn't about trying harder; it's about setting up your environment. Sandy shares how putting her gym bag on the front seat and stacking prayer with making her bed removes the need for willpower.
2. Shun the Shame Vortex: When you fall out of a routine, the adversary uses shame to stop your progress. We must learn to distinguish between God's loving correction (which invites change) and Satan's shame (which causes paralysis).
3. The "Not-To-Do" List: You cannot add new goals without pruning old ones. Tamara explains how to audit your life to Delegate, Automate, Eliminate, or Keep tasks—creating the space needed for God’s "great" assignments.
4. Rest is Productive: Busyness does not equal worth. Even Jesus took naps and the Creator rested on the Sabbath. Intentional rest is an act of faith, trusting God to manage the world while you sleep.

Free Resource

Are you ready to prune your schedule and stop the shame spiral? Download our FREE Guide to Goal Setting. It features the exact "Not-To-Do List" template and the "Cast Out the Adversary" protocol mentioned in this episode. 👉 Download the Guide Here: https://www.womenwarriorsoflight.com/offers/WyaLn2gS/checkout

Reflection Questions

1. Look at your bedroom or car. How could you change your environment to make your spiritual or physical goals easier (e.g., placing scriptures on the dinner table)?
2. When you miss a goal, do you feel a gentle nudge to try again (God) or a heavy wave of "I'm a failure" (Shame Vortex)? How can you shun the shame today?
3. What is one "good" thing you are currently doing that might need to go on your Not-To-Do List to make room for the "great"?
4. Do you view rest as "lazy" or as "trusting God"? How can you practice intentional rest this week?

Transcript

https://www.womenwarriorsoflight.com/blog/how-to-organize-your-life-and-set-goals