An Encouraging Anchor for Your Week

Creating Realistic Goals Within the Roles You Carry

Hey Reader,

In my last note, we talked about the danger of planning for the fictional superhuman of ourselves. Because, of course, we're convinced we can seriously do it all, right?

Here's the thing y'all, we often create goals surrounding: who we're responsible for, the season we're in, and the real life roles we're walking in.

Kind of erratic, don't you think? Trust me, I'm not the one to judge, especially since I know the struggle of trying to establish concrete goals with the many hats I wear (and some of those hats that I need to prayerfully "Return to Sender").

Did it ever occur to you that our exhaustion isn't about failing, but maybe overloading our roles??

My friend, God never intended us to carry every role at maximum capacity at once. That's what His strength is for!

Know this, every role in our lives deserves intentionality, but not every role requires our 100 % every day.

Roles shift each season…it might look like…

Those seasons that require more focus at work

Those seasons that need more emotional presence at home

Those seasons where your children need more of you

Those seasons that we have to give more to those God put in our lives

Those seasons where we need to simplify expectations with ourselves and others

And trying to excel equally in every role at the same time often creates guilt and overwhelm. Well, for me, anyway, and if you're still with me, I'm certain you get it. 🤯

Additionally, sometimes a role we had in one season is no longer relevant, yet we seem to have a difficult time accepting that it's time to move on, let go, or pass the torch to someone else God has called in this new season. 🫨

It could be a child moving out, or a parent you cared for who has now gone to be with Jesus. It could be a volunteer commitment, ministry opportunity, or even a job that you know in your heart it's time to leave behind, but you don't want to let others down.

Friend, I've learned that holding onto a role beyond its season can be just as exhausting as taking on one we were never meant to carry. That's why intentional planning isn't simply about filling our calendars or checking off tasks. It's about taking an honest inventory of the roles God has entrusted to us in this season and planning accordingly.

Instead of asking: "What can I fit into my week?" Maybe we should ask: "What roles has God called me to manage well right now?"

Because our goals should support our roles, not compete with them.

When we ignore that our new season may have shifted, we create plans that look impressive on paper but leave us overwhelmed in real life. But when we plan according to the roles we're actually carrying, something beautiful happens. We create space.

Space to be present.

Space to be intentional.

Space to hear God's voice.

Space to love the people He's placed right in front of us.

And perhaps most importantly, space to stop feeling guilty for not being able to do everything. (Can I get a 'woo-sah'?)

The truth is, God never asked us to be everything to everyone all the time. He simply asks us to be faithful with what He's entrusted to us today. And maybe that's the real secret to intentional planning. Not doing more. Not becoming Superwoman. But prayerfully going into our current season with wisdom, grace, and trust that God will equip us for exactly what He's called us to carry.

Scripture of the Week

Challenge of the Week

This week, take five quiet minutes and write down the roles you're currently carrying. Maybe you're a wife, mom, employee, caregiver, friend, volunteer, business owner, ministry leader, daughter, or mentor. Then ask yourself:

Which roles require the most intentional focus in this season?

Is there a role, responsibility, or expectation that God may be asking me to release?

Before creating next week's plan, build it around the roles God has called you to manage—not the fictional superhuman version of yourself.

🙏 Let’s Pray

Gracious Lord,

Thank You for the unique roles and responsibilities You have entrusted to me in this season. Give me the wisdom to recognize what needs my attention and the courage to release what no longer belongs on my shoulders. Help me to stop measuring myself by unrealistic expectations and instead measure my success by faithfulness to You. Teach me to plan with intention, manage my roles with grace, and trust Your strength when my own feels insufficient. May my days reflect Your priorities, my heart remain aligned with Your purpose, and my life bring glory to You in every season. In Jesus' name, Amen.

If you’re ready to go deeper and stop chasing unrealistic expectations and start pursuing intentional, Christ-centered goals with clarity and purpose, I’d love for you to check out my Christian Vision Board Workbook 🤍

Thoughtfully created to help you prayerfully reflect, align your goals with your values, and seek God’s direction as you plan for the season ahead.

​Grab your workbook here: 👇rlsandpumas.com/product/christian-based-vision-board/https://pearlsandpumas.com/product/christian-based-vision-board/

In Love and Christ,

Dorene Elizabeth

600 1st Ave, Ste 330 PMB 92768, Seattle, WA 98104-2246
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