In this episode of The True North Movement, Dr. Andy Garrett and Pastor Eric Heard delve into the often challenging yet rewarding world of goal setting and resolutions. As the new year unfolds, they shed light on the common pitfalls of traditional New Year's resolutions, emphasizing why many of these annual commitments tend to fall by the wayside. The episode offers a fresh and insightful perspective on setting meaningful and achievable goals, anchored in the TrueNorth principles. This discussion is not just about setting any goals, but about crafting ones that resonate deeply with personal values and aspirations, ensuring they are both fulfilling and sustainable.

Dr. Garrett and Pastor Heard explore the psychological and spiritual dimensions of goal setting. They stress the importance of reflecting on the past year's experiences to inform and empower future aspirations. Throughout the episode, they weave in practical wisdom, including biblical references and psychological insights, to guide listeners in establishing resolutions that are more than just fleeting desires. The episode is not only a guide to setting and achieving objectives but also a journey into understanding human nature, discipline, and the power of community in personal growth. Whether you're looking to make incremental changes, set 'hinge goals' that can pivot your life in new directions, or simply find a more meaningful approach to personal development, this episode is a treasure trove of guidance and inspiration.

01:00 - Introduction to the Episode's Theme

• The episode opens with Dr. Andy Garrett and Pastor Eric Heard discussing the ineffectiveness of traditional New Year's resolutions and introducing the TrueNorth principles for setting meaningful goals.

02:35 - The Failure of Resolutions

• The hosts explore why New Year's resolutions often fail, focusing on human nature and the challenges in maintaining discipline.

03:07 - Reflecting on the Previous Year

• Importance is placed on reviewing the previous year (2023) before setting goals for the new year. This includes understanding past successes and failures for better goal setting.

04:58 - Building Momentum from Past Successes

• Discussion on leveraging the previous year's successes to set impactful goals for the new year.

09:16 - Spiritual Foundations for Resolutions

• A passage from Ephesians is referenced, highlighting the need to be wise and understand God's will in the context of setting resolutions.

10:18 - Planning and Values in Resolutions

• The hosts emphasize the necessity of planning and aligning new year goals with personal values.

12:24 - Incremental Changes and Discipline

• The significance of making small, consistent changes and the role of disciplines like fasting in personal and spiritual growth.

16:17 - The Concept of a 'Hinge Goal'

• Discussion on how a single, well-chosen goal can have a ripple effect across various aspects of life.

18:29 - Community and Accountability in Achieving Goals

• The importance of having a supportive community and accountability mechanisms for goal attainment.

22:02 - Psychological Benefits of Confession

• The psychological impact of acknowledging and letting go of past failures to move forward effectively.

25:18 - SMART and WHIP Methodologies for Goal Setting

• Introduction and explanation of effective goal-setting strategies like SMART and WHIP.

29:31 - Anticipating Obstacles

• Planning for potential setbacks and obstacles in the path to achieving goals.

31:49 - Flexibility in Goal Achievement

• The importance of adapting and being flexible in the pursuit of goals.

34:21 - Equipping for Challenges

• The necessity of being prepared to handle challenges and setbacks in goal achievement.

36:11 - Daily Accountability and the Concept of 'Rebooting'

• The role of daily accountability practices and the idea of starting fresh each day to stay on track.

39:11 - Visualization Techniques for Success

• The use of visualization techniques to enhance the goal achievement process.

40:13 - Applying Tools and Methods in Practical Life

• Closing remarks on how to practically apply the discussed tools and methods in everyday life.