Jan 7, 2015

2015 GOAL SETTING, PART 3: SAYING YES, SAYING NO

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Welcome back to 2015 Goal Setting! Anyone else get the heebee-jeebees hearing the words “goal setting?” Then, you are in the right place, my friend. We’re doing this differently. We’re taking our time. We’re taking big leaps. We’re making what matters happen, little by little. If you are just joining us, you aren’t late to the party — there is nothing magical about January 1! Here are Part 1 and Part 2, for your reading pleasure. Enjoy and have fun working through each step! Now, onto Part 3. We have lots of fun things to cover today.

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First, you should know this: February 1 is my January 1. Who has time to set good goals in the rush of December? Okay, perhaps some do, but I am not one of them. January is my time (and our time as a team) for preparing well, intentionally, thoughtfully, and most of all — prayerfully. Yesterday, we did the PowerSheets prep as a company and it was awesome. We modified some questions to answer collectively, but it was just what we needed to kick off this year and a month of purposeful goal setting together. We are going to work through the goal setting action plan sheets at our staff meeting next week so we take our time doing this well. A peek from our meeting yesterday…

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I’m working through the book action steps and my PowerSheets prep, as well as my inbox. I shared this on Instagram yesterday, but I was largely unprepared for a book launch. I’ve never done this before and had no idea what to expect. It has been a blessing and I am so grateful God has used the book to encourage others. My inbox has been a challenge, though. Email is just decisions that need to be made, so I’m in overdrive on decision-making over here : ) Yesterday, I had every intention to write this post, but I had to throw up my white flag and remember that the goal of this year, and every year, is progress and purpose, not perfection — letting God define my expectations. I am praying the same for you, friends! It’s so freeing to let go.

Okay, let’s do this! First up, I hope you all have enjoyed doing some of the things that fire you up from the last post. Here is my list I wrote out below (just a few of the many things), and I’d love to hear yours too!

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A few more to add:

  • Writing these posts and being real about where I need to grow — being humbled — fires me up.  I feel closest to God when I am humbled.
  • Our mission at Southern Weddings — and in all we do — fires me up beyond words. The ladies I work alongside also fire me up. They are the bees knees.
  • My editor, which is a seemingly-small term for what she really is in my life. She prayed for me and with me throughout my entire book process. She called me today just to encourage me and pray for me on the phone. She is on my list of top three women who inspire me to love Him wholeheartedly.
  • God’s power to change anything. He cam make the impossible happen.
  • Praying for others and watching God answer prayers in ways I never expected.
  • Doing pirouettes in my living room when no one is watching : )
  • A moment or conversation with Ari where I remember and feel our shared heart. That shared heart was born of a man who died on a cross so we could be free. So we could forgive each other. So we could be forgiven. So we could be completely washed in grace and made new and whole again. That heart is the greatest gift we’ve been given. It saved our marriage and changed who we are as people.
  • Grace’s joy. She sings constantly and will dance at the drop of a hat. I love that girl!
  • And a note on that last line in my hand-written list above. A friend emailed me after reading my book and asked how you know when you’ve made “it” happen. My answer, in short, is that “it” is choosing God. Every time I surrender, am humbled, and choose to act on God’s leading — no matter how hard — to me, that’s making what matters happen. And often I feel it. I feel a deep peace when I choose Him. It’s continual, not a one time event. We never arrive and then stop, we keep choosing Him. I hope that encourages someone else out there to know that chasing what the world says is success will lead you in circles, but choosing God will lead you to the very best places — to far more than we can ask or imagine. That fires me up!
  • There’s so much more, but I want to hear from you now! Leave your list in the comments so we can inspire each other. I love hearing what light people’s hearts on fire.

Onward! Here’s where things get fun. You now know what did work over the last twelve months, what didn’t work and what fires you up. You learned some very valuable lessons in all of this. So, what are you saying NO to in the coming year and starting today? Make a list of all of the things that are holding you back (or could potentially hold you back) from making your purposeful year happen. Write your list of what you are saying NO to in 2014.

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With everything you have written down thus far in mind (I suggest reading over all of your progress again), what are you going to need to say YES to more often in order to live on purpose in 2015? Write your list of what you are saying YES to in 2014. Think big picture here, and write down the things you are afraid to dive into, too. There is great potential hiding in your fear. I encourage you to post your YES List publicly here and/or share it with friends to help inspire others and to keep yourself accountable. I think you will all likely NOT be writing Facebook or more social media on this list. Just a guess.

I’ll be sharing my NO and YES lists with you in the next post. Remember: saying NO to one thing means you are saying YES to something potentially better.

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–> PowerSheets owners and book friends, just a reminder that the steps in this series won’t exactly match what you have, as you have more steps! I’m sharing pieces of the process in hopes they spark your own progress : )

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BONUS STEP! Pick a core word for 2015. What one word really resonates with you for the year ahead? What word pulls together all that you want to make happen? Think hard about this. I’ll share mine in the next post. Research words that resonate with you. Pray on it. Then, write your word here in the comments (and give a virtual high five to those who might have the same word as you — we are bound to have some shared words!). Then, write that word in prominent places so you are reminded of your focus this year. Put it on a post it in your car. Put it on a post it literally inside of your fridge (I have a post-it in my fridge!). Make it your computer desktop. Write it anywhere and everywhere to remind you of where you are going!

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PRIZES FOR THIS POST: Read Part 1 for all the ways you can win! Three randomly chosen commenters on this post (or those who share this series) will get a set of 2015 Encouragement Postcards from the shop! These have been super popular and that makes me grateful because it means a lot of encouragement is going around : )

 

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P.S. Our Flash Sale is on — now till midnight! Use the code FRESHSTART2015 for 20% off all prints and desk cards + check out our “perfectly imperfect” sale : )

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90 Comments

  1. Sally Shake on January 7, 2015 at 10:05 pm

    My word for this year is CELEBRATE! Celebrate what the Lord has done and who he is. Celebrate Progress. Celebrate friends. Celebrate victories. Celebrate Persevering through trials. Have a general spirit that Celebrates!

  2. Rachel on January 7, 2015 at 10:12 pm

    My one word is Thrive. I am saying yes to asking God each morning what I can do to thrive and not just survive.

  3. Katie Sjogren on January 7, 2015 at 10:18 pm

    My word is abandon…..Abandon all I know and start a new foundation based on truth!

  4. Rhiannon on January 7, 2015 at 10:20 pm

    Answered prayers. I love that that’s at the top of your list.

  5. Jessica on January 7, 2015 at 10:47 pm

    My one word for this year is Grace and I keep running into it places (including your book:) ). I love setting my intention for the year through a word!

  6. Kendall Radenbaugh on January 7, 2015 at 11:01 pm

    My word for this year is brave. I am no longer going to let fear and the enemy hold me back and tell me lies. I am going to follow my dreams and trust that God will take me far with them. I’m going to be brave and accomplish some great things! Thank you for always being so encouraging Lara!

  7. Allison Ramsing on January 7, 2015 at 11:14 pm

    Picking a word of the year was tough this year. Before the New Year I thought my word was joy, then surrender, then intentional, then I realized that my word for this year needed to be FOLLOW HIM. My entire focus to Make It Happen needed to be to simply FOLLOW HIM. Hope you have a wonderful day, Lara!

  8. Hannah @ Living the Good Life on January 7, 2015 at 11:17 pm

    What I’m saying “no” to: Playing small, standing on the sidelines of life; anxiety, tension, and negativity; taking on things I cannot do and that are others’ responsibilities; perfectionism; burnout.

    What I’m saying “yes” to: God; grace and rest; whimsy and adventure; being present and still; self-care on all fronts; doing more of what I love and crave.

    My word for 2015: BRAVE.

  9. Wendy on January 8, 2015 at 12:13 am

    I’m saying “no” to giving up my “me”time. I’ve designated one day a month (already written in all my calendars…personal and work) where I do whatever my heart desires.

    I’m saying “yes” to more time in God’s word outside of my prep for teaching Sunday School. I didn’t spend as much time in the Word for ME in 2014 and I miss it.

    My word for 2015 is “Simplify”. No matter what I work on or create, the goal will be to make it as simple as possible. I tend to over complicate things which leads to unfinished projects.

    Loving your book, my friend!! I’m speaking about Divine Purpose at a woman’s conference this weekend and I’m giving away a copy of your book to one of the attendees. I’m SO excited about that…I can’t wait to share YOU with them!! *hugs*

  10. Kelly on January 8, 2015 at 1:43 am

    What fires me up is time spent encouraging others. I’m getting my masters in nutrition and I LOVE encouraging others toward their goals, especially when it comes to health. I’m saying yes to more time spent with people and no to time spent with my electronic devices My word for the year is fearless as the last school semester brought me all kinds of fear. This year is all about letting go and letting God help me conquer my fears. Not to mention there’s some really good Taylor swift songs 😉 ( dance parties also fire me up)

  11. Victoria on January 8, 2015 at 1:47 am

    My word for this year is “intention”, everything I do needs to match up with one of my goals. I noticed I spend a lot of “fluff” time. Not just on social media, though there’s that. But in general, doing things I don’t REALLY want to be doing because I’m not asking myself that question, “does this activity line up with my core.”

    – Really enjoying these posts, Lara!

  12. Emily Kleinhans on January 8, 2015 at 2:20 am

    This year, I just want to savor. Take the time to find the smallest blessings in the most ordinary of places. I want to be savoring things I already have, not wish for more. Savor the Word, savor God’s fingerprints on my life- and savor food! 🙂

  13. Kelsey on January 8, 2015 at 2:40 am

    Writing about what fires me up was much harder than I anticipated. I know I’m not a person that doesn’t enjoy anything, but maybe I don’t pay enough attention to the little joys in life.

    Some of the things that fire me up are…

    Worship, Time in the Word, studying Theology, Fellowship, Traveling, live music, community.

    I wrote more about it on my blog..

    https://www.kandidlykelsey.com/2015/01/slow-down.html

  14. Kathleen Harvey on January 8, 2015 at 5:21 am

    My yes will be to lead & speak in my business when I don’t always know what to prepare trusting God to reveal it to me when He’s ready for me to know it! My core word comes at the end of the year.

  15. Elle on January 8, 2015 at 7:13 am

    Love this post. Lara, it’s like you can read my mind. I have been thinking about January first, and making real intentional changes. I can’t flip a switch and be this brand new person. Even Jesus grew line upon line. One of my prayers for today is for those who are striving to live on purpose this year to not give up on themselves.

  16. Amy W on January 8, 2015 at 7:46 am

    This past week at church I shared the thought from your book that ‘I was created for a purpose and it’s time to make it happen’ – I have since had 4 very meaningful, personal and vulnerable conversations with dear friends. Not only did this idea bring us closer, but we’ve found renewed strength and are better committed to helping one another carry out our purpose in life. Thank you for the reminder that it’s ok and necessary to say no to things that get in our way of fulfilling our purpose!

  17. Julia on January 8, 2015 at 11:53 am

    -Your book fires me up!
    -A growing need to deepen my relationship with God.
    -Choosing to love my husband on purpose.

    Praying on what my word for the year is..

    Song of the year: “Oh how I need you” All Sons & Daughters
    Verse of the year: Colossians 3:23

  18. Candice on January 8, 2015 at 1:30 pm

    Thank you Lara!

    My word for 2015 is Purposeful. 2014 was chaos and unorganized. I started a business with a full time job, and wasted alot of time doing who knows what. So by being purposeful I hope to create more time well spent in the things that matter in my life(prayer, my business, my friends, my husband, my family).

    • Julia on January 11, 2015 at 3:19 pm

      Me too Candice!!!

  19. Robyn B on January 8, 2015 at 2:23 pm

    i love the idea of listing out what to say YES to AND what to say NO to! it’s so important to remember that we cannot do everything & it’s okay to say no!

  20. Hope Easter on January 8, 2015 at 3:31 pm

    I think my word for 2015 in REST. It’s not inactivity, it’s trusting in God completely. Resting in His promises. Resting from chaos. Resting from what the world says I should do. Simply……rest.

    I’ve been following along with this series, and following the book so I’m recording all my progress on my blog. 🙂 These blog posts encourage me, and inspire me so I hope to do the same for other people too.

    Thank you so much Lara! For everything you do!

  21. Kirsty J on January 8, 2015 at 3:33 pm

    Word for 2015: Accountability
    Saying no to: “busy”
    Saying yes to: Following Jesus

  22. Bianca on January 8, 2015 at 5:48 pm

    Hi! I am working through your goal setting series and am completely convinced your book would be beneficial for me. I wanted to order the eBook version of “Make it Happen” but realized that I won’t have all the pages where I can fill in the blanks. Is there any way someone can send me those in PDF? I love reading from my eReader but don’t want to miss out on the workbook aspect of “Make it Happen”. Any suggestions would be helpful. Thanks so much for inspiring me! I love what you do for so many women 🙂
    Bianca in Canada

    • Lara on January 8, 2015 at 6:29 pm

      Hi, Bianca! There isn’t a PDF available, but I suggest using a journal if you are working through the book via e-reader. Enjoy!

    • Bianca on January 9, 2015 at 5:24 pm

      Not sure why I didn’t think about it but that’s a great idea. Thanks!!

  23. Beverly on January 8, 2015 at 6:52 pm

    I’m saying “no” to the things that I have chased – approval, appearances, and idealism.
    I’m saying “yes” to humility, honesty, and hard work.

    My word for 2015 is JOY. My word this year is what I hope to overflow in abundance as I realign my heart with God’s heart and His plans, not my own. So often I have sought the gifts instead of the Giver. JOYfully seeking the heart of the Giver of all good gifts FIRST, followed by gratitude for the sweet blessings He gives.

    Lara, I am SO very grateful and blessed by your book. For so long I have been seeking a purposeful path, but all to often I end up overwhelmed and give up or choose a quick fix. Reading and working through your book is helping me find clarity and to rest in grace – and reminding me that I am not alone. But most importantly helping me to see that God wants my WHOLE heart and not just the pieces I’ve been giving Him. Thank you for writing!

    • Lara on January 8, 2015 at 11:34 pm

      I am so gratwful the boo has encouraged you, Beverly!! And I love your word for the year ahead.

  24. Allison on January 8, 2015 at 7:55 pm

    My word for 2015 is THANKFUL. I tend to get so bogged down with anxieties that I forget to be thankful for what is right before me.

  25. Mirelis Heal on January 8, 2015 at 8:00 pm

    Thank you for being so encouraging towards others. You are truly a ray of sunshine. May God continue to bless you.

  26. Machelle on January 8, 2015 at 10:03 pm

    My word for 2015 is ROOTED. As I have been going through the blog posts and your book I have seen a need to more firmly establish myself in Christ. I just finished the chapter on extremes, and after wading through the highs and lows of my roller coaster – the need to be more deeply rooted in Him became apparent to me.

    • Lara on January 9, 2015 at 10:52 pm

      I am grateful the book has encouraged you! God is so good!

  27. kristen on January 8, 2015 at 11:13 pm

    One for personal life is JOY and for buisness/goals IS progress.

  28. Emily on January 8, 2015 at 11:24 pm

    I am so thankful for your posts! They are so inspiring and call me to be intentional. This year is really difficult to choose a word for as I embark on a new journey to Church Plant in SE Asia. I am beyond excited!

    I think the biggest thing the Lord is calling me to is to TRUST BIG. Time to open my belief roof and let God move in power!

    The other word that really resonates with me for the new season is FRUIT. That word has really been redefined in the recent years of my life. Fruit for me looks like a close walk and friendship with Jesus. Can’t wait!

  29. Angela A. on January 9, 2015 at 1:54 am

    My Word for the year is MIRACLES and my chosen attribute of God I want to know more about is that of DELIVERER. I want to look and pray for more miracles (salvation, physical healing, financial and addiction bondage being broken in lives of people I know) and celebrate HIM when they happen. There are some things I need God to work a miracle of deliverance in in order for the dreams He has given to come about.

    I’m saying NO to doubt and discouragement. YES to time in the Word and prayer, to writing in order to start a blog/book.

  30. Stephanie on January 9, 2015 at 3:41 pm

    My word for the year is Intention. Doing everything with a specific focus and purpose. Taking action, yet doing things in moderation. I am such an extremes girl, that I need to set boundaries for my intentions to be able to execute them well. Saying Yes to action, but No to trying to do it all.

    • Kricia on February 2, 2015 at 6:00 pm

      Stephanie, I swear you’re speaking from MY heart! I promise we could probably compare notes and scare each other. Intention is also my word for the year, I’d love to reach out and pray for you if you’d allow me!

  31. Kristin on January 9, 2015 at 5:32 pm

    My word for the year is ACTION.

    I picked this not because I want to always be doing something, but because I want to act on the things that matter. I have tons of ideas, but I’m not always good at putting them into action. This year I want to prayerfully seek how God wants to use me and then take real action!

  32. crazydoglady on January 9, 2015 at 7:32 pm

    very thought provoking. I need to encourage others more. I’m gathering ideas for a power word of the year.

  33. Danielle on January 9, 2015 at 8:01 pm

    There are so many wonderful words posted in these comments! I think my word for the year may be Contentment- being content in all circumstances, rather than always thinking of the bad and comparing my situation to others. I really need to say no to wasting time on social media, judging/comparing, living to please others, and constantly being hard on myself. Saying YES to prayer, stepping out in faith, and focused time with my family.

  34. Allie on January 9, 2015 at 9:44 pm

    You should consider reading The Best Yes by Lysa TerKeurst…it’s all about learning to stop glorifying busyness and focus on saying no to good things so that we can save space in our lives to say yes to the best things. It really spoke to me and sounds like it might resonate with you!

    • Lara on January 9, 2015 at 10:51 pm

      I have heard great things about it and can’t wait to read it! I love her writing!

  35. Heather on January 9, 2015 at 9:45 pm

    My word for the year is PEACE. I want to seek peace and pursue it in my life, home, mind, relationships, etc.

  36. Amanda on January 10, 2015 at 1:26 am

    My word for the year is: PURPOSE. To remind myself that everything I do needs to align with my core and has a meaningful PURPOSE in my life!

  37. Regina Collins-Simon on January 10, 2015 at 1:44 am

    My January 1 is December 1 – love it! Here’s to starting today.

  38. Diane on January 12, 2015 at 1:06 am

    I guess I have to say my two words for 2015 is:
    PURPOSE AND ACTION – if i have purpose but don’t take action, I’m not fulfilling God’s plan for me.

    Saying NO to in 2015:
    1. Social media when it interferes with making things happen.
    2. Comparing myself to others and their talents.

    Saying YES to in 2015:
    1. More prayer and praying for others
    2. Reading more scripture on a daily basis
    3. Spend more quality time with my family and put my relationships with my son and husband first.
    4. Get healthy so that I can be there for my family long term
    5. Create new designs for the joy of creating and not to compete with others. Give my very best in what I do.
    6. Help others more.

  39. Heidi on January 12, 2015 at 8:41 pm

    So great as always!!! In 2015, I am saying NO to my self-deprecating and victimizing behavior. I am saying YES to making choices and owning them. The definition of CHOICE is the power or opportunity to make a decision and care in selecting. I want to take care in selecting the right path – for me, and for my family. I want to exercise my power to choose to go out or stay in; to work out or take a bubble bath; to giggle with my children or to play on my phone. The point is, I get to choose what to do next. And I want to focus on choosing the next right thing.

  40. Natasha Red on January 13, 2015 at 4:18 am

    My word(s) for the year are: surrender, humble and choose. Love these encouraging posts!

  41. Bridgette on January 14, 2015 at 10:36 pm

    So happy to have found you! 2015 will be a great year with the help of your tools!!

  42. Ashley Landry on January 15, 2015 at 1:46 am

    In 2015, I am saying “No” to lack of trust (with myself and God), guilt, control, comparison, and my past.

    I am saying “Yes” to building a greater relationship with God through scripture and prayer, photography and blogging and sharing the gifts I have been given, focusing on personal relationships and building others up, and taking care of myself and creating new habits.

    My word for this year: TRUST.

  43. Elizabeth on January 17, 2015 at 4:07 pm

    My word for 2015 is CLOSER. I want to draw closer to The Lord, my husband and family than ever before. And let go of what doesn’t matter! Love your book so far and working through your power sheets!

  44. Heidi Lyn on January 17, 2015 at 6:24 pm

    My word is an odd one. It is: THERMOSTAT
    Why thermostat? Growing up my dad used to tell us that we needed to be the thermostats in the room. We needed to select the tone, feeling and emotions around us rather than merely being a reflection of what everyone else was putting out there.

    It’ so easy to react to the stress, emotion, and roller coasters that other people put out there. It is more difficult to actively choose what I will feel and respond to, but doing so puts me in a better place to be of service to everyone else.

    • Lisa on February 15, 2015 at 7:03 pm

      Love that!….

  45. Lindsay on January 18, 2015 at 9:57 pm

    My word is focus. Looking forward to a year of less distraction, more intention, and focus, especially on the Lord.

  46. Jen on January 19, 2015 at 6:38 am

    My word for 2015: Release
    to let go of all the things I cannot control or am responsible for, to let God…

  47. Amia on January 21, 2015 at 9:54 pm

    My FOCUS ONE WORD for 2015 is MOVE. Whatever that means. From the first day this word dropped in my spirit, God keeps nudging me to be still. I’m learning MOVE means whatever it means. Today it means: Move away from what didn’t work last year and doesn’t lean me toward my purpose, and move toward what did. Move away from over commitment and striving for perfection. Move in leaps and bounds toward purpose. Move away from the idea that you gotta get it right – right now and move toward resting in the peace that God’s timing is always perfect! Move to BE STILL in the confidence that God always knows, always works it for my good and His glory and He’s kinda really good at what He does!!

  48. Grace Hahn on January 25, 2015 at 12:25 pm

    I’ve still got to fill this out on my power sheets (next step for me!) but I will brainstorm a few here. Working with people, watching people grow and change, empathy, kindness and unconditional love. Grace (not my name!) but the action, the understand and the acceptance. Supporting women and the advancement of our rights as women in today’s society. Injustice, inequality. On another note – jokes. Loving this blog series to read along with my MIH Book and Powersheets!

  49. Grace Hahn on January 25, 2015 at 12:28 pm

    Oh and I think my word for 2015 is going to either be Progress OR Patience. More to ponder on that choice!

  50. Amy on January 31, 2015 at 6:28 pm

    My word for 2015 is Purpose. I’m not sure what God has for me, but I want to seek Him and follow where He leads

  51. Jessica on February 1, 2015 at 6:51 pm

    February 1st is also my January 1st and I love it. I’m about to write out my goals after finishing the rest of my powersheets prep and ready to do this. What fires me up is such a hard question for me! But I do know without a doubt what drains me, so I started out that and found the opposite and found that those are the things that fire me up. A few are…simplicity, listening to inspiring stories or reading about them, encouraging others, helping others, spending quality time with my girls and hubs.

  52. Kyla Fetzner on February 2, 2015 at 3:24 pm

    This is my ‘yes’ list for 2015: https://www.kylamary.com/2015/01/what-im-saying-yes-to-in-2015/

    The word that I chose for this year is ‘remarkable’, because I feel called by the Lord to do remarkable things through Him this year rather than be wasteful of the time, energy, resources, passions, and giftings He has given me 🙂

  53. Kricia on February 2, 2015 at 6:02 pm

    I am saying NO to: worry, busy-ness, giving up, hoarding, planning but not doing, clutter, hoping without action, guilt, self doubt and fear.

    I’m saying YES to: saying NO! writing letters, prayer and Bible study, fellowship, great books, loving ME, following through, doing, journaling, exercise and great food.

    My word for 2015 is Intention. I want to know that each action I take is for a purpose, for his purpose, for the direction that He is leading me to go, not just being “busy” to make myself feel better.

  54. Amanda Ready on February 5, 2015 at 2:27 am

    My Word is Purpose!! Being intentional and focusing on what matters!

    I am saying YES to putting down the iphone and playing with my kids, eating well, going to bed early, waking up early, spending time with Jesus every morning, showing my husband I love him.

    I am saying NO to letting life just happen to me!

    Would love to win the conference ticket! DYIN G TO GO!!

  55. Grace Cho on February 5, 2015 at 6:00 am

    I am saying no to lies that the enemy tells me, and YES to freedom in Christ, and thus my word for the year is ‘free’.

  56. Ashley Flores on February 6, 2015 at 2:49 pm

    My word for 2015 is FEARLESS. I have operated in fear for the majority of my marriage and it has affected every other aspect of my life. Not saying that I fear my husband, but I think I feared failing him more than I feared failing God. I know that sounds intense, but it’s the truth. Every move I made and every thought was based off of what he would think or say or feel or how he would respond. I just wanted to feel worthy enough to be his wife. I was working for his love. Then, I was reading Genesis lately and I saw how after God brought Eve to Adam he immediately proclaimed her value in his life. She didn’t have to do anything to get it. He just knew that if God brought her to him, then she must be good for him. That is such a gift to rest in. To not have to strive, but to be given the opportunity the thrive. I choose to thrive without living a life of fear, but only in the reverential fear of our Father. xoxo

  57. Jahna on February 9, 2015 at 4:00 am

    Some things I’m saying NO to are:
    checking social media 1st thing in the morning AND on weekends
    unhealthy spending habits
    doing everything on my own or with my boyfriend

    Some things I’m saying YES to are:
    daily devotional, prayer, and gratitude journal (kicked off with #NoExcusesFebruary)
    joining a church and getting active
    investing time, money, and work into my brand + blog

    I shared more (along with what fires me up) on my blog:
    https://justjahna.com/2015/02/08/goal-setting-part-3-saying-yes-saying-no/

  58. Sarah Wittcop on February 11, 2015 at 2:25 am

    I realized a few months ago that I was making my life more busy than necessary, so I started writing out a list of things that I wasn’t going to do oppose to a list of things to do. It has worked wonderfully for someone like me. This year I plan to say no to excessive social events and countless hours spent on social media.

  59. Kristen O. on February 11, 2015 at 4:07 pm

    In 2015, I’m saying No the words: “busy” and “tired” I say those two words too much. I’m also going to be OK with saying no to some events or engagements. In 2014 I felt the need to say yes to everything I was invited to. This left me feeling completely spent and awake in the middle of the night catching up on work

    In 2015, I’m saying yes to creating time limits for work, business hours for our office, and opening up more space in my day for doing things that inspire and fire me up.I’m saying yes to taking brain breaks during the day – even if it’s to walk and get the mail or eat lunch on our patio.

    My word for 2015 is “Purpose”. I’m going to do my best to live on purpose this year. Instead of chasing after life, I want to run right along side it. And be still when it’s still.

  60. Kyra H on February 11, 2015 at 9:08 pm

    My word for 2015 is Trust. I am trusting God to give me the desires of my heart. Because he knows what I need before I even ask. 🙂

    In 2015, I am saying no to all the shiny objects that promise happiness, fun, fulfillment, peace and all the other things I am giving up in order to run after them. Saying no to things that might be good, but sends me down a path that takes me away from my priorities (God, my husband, my kiddies and my purpose). Being busy because I am worried about what people may think of me.

    In 2015, I am saying yes to spending more time in God’s word, more time with my husband and kids, more time loving friends and family.

  61. Rachel Nordgren on February 15, 2015 at 8:42 pm

    Just pinned the “There is nothing magical about January 1st”…I need to constantly be reminded that every day is a new opportunity to live in God’s grace and purposes for my life.
    > https://www.pinterest.com/pin/183803228518686682/

  62. Erin on February 16, 2015 at 1:22 am

    I’m saying no and yes to a handful of things which I’ve worked through in my PowerSheets but the biggie I keep coming back to is saying no to comparison. In launching a business it’s so easy to look side to side. I want all eyes on Him, no more looking side to side. That’s how I’m going to sincerely abide in His calling for my family and our brand.

  63. Abi Losli on February 16, 2015 at 4:37 am

    Yes, hooray! I love reading through all these comments.

    My word for this year is CELEBRATE. And I’m already laughing with God, because He is inviting me to choose joy and celebrate even in the harder situations. It’s been so stretching and good already.

  64. Tiffany on February 16, 2015 at 7:29 pm

    FOCUS. Sometimes I get so caught op on things being “perfect” that I don’t focus enough on progression. I want to make things happens by focusing on what matters most, this year

  65. Amy on February 16, 2015 at 11:28 pm

    Oh Lara! I love this. I read Lysa T’s book “The Best Yes” and you are so right- a no is also a yes and vice versa. This year I am saying no to lots of goals- I KNOW that’s random considering this is a goal setting process. But I usually set about 10 goals. I also usually make good progress on all of them. But this year there are a few BIG things burning in my heart. To move forward I must focus. Which brings me to my word for the year. It isn’t focus although that would be a good one. It is FINISH. Those 3 things I want to finish are things I have been working on for a few years. It is time to finish them so I can move forward and on to the next things God has for me. They have been long term projects so the time it has taken is not the issue. It is that I am stalling out on the completion because it SCARES me to death. I want so badly to be able to say of this year, the way Christ said of his life: I brought you glory by finishing the work you gave me to do (John 17:4). #2015goalsetting PS- I also pinned this post. I can’t wait to use this board as a resource for the upcoming years.

  66. Rachel Nordgren on February 17, 2015 at 12:29 am

    I linked back to this series in my 2015 Goal Setting post! > https://www.ouryellowdoor.com/2015-goals/

  67. Rachel Nordgren on February 17, 2015 at 12:35 am

    I also posted this on Instagram! > https://instagram.com/p/zItR2wvmgA/?modal=true

  68. Jessica Chavez on February 17, 2015 at 3:05 am

    I’m saying NO to doing things my way without consulting God, doing anything that moves me away from God and His will for me, to comparison, to fear, to impulsive reactions.
    I’m saying YES to God, to building a better relationship with Him, more time with family and friends, lots of reading, learning new things (calligraphy, sewing, piano), listening to God, obeying His voice.

    My word for this year is a phrase.. BE STILL. I’m learning to be still and listen, obey; and as hard as it might feel, God is making these moments feel like little treasures that I don’t want them to end.

  69. Stacey Pinney on February 17, 2015 at 3:05 am

    My word for the year is (be) intentional. Doing things just to do them is so different than being intentional when doing them.And I want to *intentionally* go out of my way to love big and love well!

  70. Stacey P on February 17, 2015 at 3:44 am

    Pinned on Pinterest!

  71. Melissa on February 17, 2015 at 4:40 am

    My word for the year is something I came up with when I originally read this post. It is: LESS. Less of me and my limitations. Less of the crap and clutter I’ve let into my life in the past. Less buying, less wanting, less disorder and mess. So I am saying no to some bad habits this year as a result. I’m saying no to coping with stress and hurts through shopping and eating crap. And then I’m saying yes to a deeper devotional life, yes to better friendships where I put in as much as I’d like back, and yes to using my testimony from my multiple pregnancy losses to help and encourage other women going through their own infertility struggles.

  72. Rachel Friedrichs on February 17, 2015 at 4:41 am

    Lara,

    Thank you for reminding me that there is nothing magical about January 1st because February 1st was my January 1st! I really needed that time to really go through the powersheets and look at what was meaningful to me in making these goals. I have a hard time facing what really needs to be taken care of and this tool holds me accountable for all of the right reasons. Thank you!

  73. Holly on February 17, 2015 at 3:44 pm

    This year I’m saying no to those creeping anxieties that threaten to overwhelm my every day… My word of the year is content. Last year was full of waiting for the storm to pass and I know I missed opportunities to live each day to the fullest. This is the year of fresh starts even in the middle of the storm.

  74. Cynthia on June 4, 2015 at 4:47 pm

    I believe I have entered to win a book! I would love the Unveiled Wife book! All of the books are awesome and each and everyone of them would be a blessing!

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