I wrote soon after I was given an Apple Watch how it was motivating me to get more exercise. One of the ways it does that is by giving me monthly goals. I’m now seeing that there are two kinds of goals, and I’m debating which kind is more effective.

Some goals give me a target for the month: so many minutes of exercise, so much distance walked. So far these have been attainable especially with a bit of planning. I figure out what my targets are for each day, and I monitor my progress and get ahead when I can to make up for those days when I can’t do as much. This type of goal motivates me to do more than is required “just in case.”

This month’s goal is different: I have to keep up my daily minimums every day. Every day for the whole 31 days. There’s no incentive to do much more than the minimum since it won’t carry over. On the other hand, I’m not allowed to do less. Consistency is not just encouraged, it is demanded.

If we’re setting our own goals, which is better? When I started thinking about this, I thought I would say the second type since it demands consistency, and consistency is good. However, there’s no grace. What happens when I fail to meet my minimum? What’s my motivation to get back to it the next day? 

So as we set goals or make resolutions for the new year, I’m going to aim for actions that are attainable, maybe with a little extra effort, that inspire consistency, but are not so rigid that I quit if I miss a day.

Blessed is the one who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting beside my doors. For whoever finds me finds life and obtains favor from the Lord. (Proverbs 8.34, 35, ESV)

I’m not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don’t get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back. So let’s keep focused on that goal, those of us who want everything God has for us. If any of you have something else in mind, something less than total commitment, God will clear your blurred vision—you’ll see it yet! (Philippians 3.12 – 15, MSG)