In 1981, George Doran first introduced the concept of S.M.A.R.T. goals as way to enhance productivity in business settings. He argued that every objective that an organization pursues should have the following characteristics. Business goals and objectives should be:

Specific – target a specific area for improvement.
Measurable – quantify or at least suggest an indicator of progress.
Assignable – specify who will do it.
Realistic – state what results can realistically be achieved, given available resources.
Time-related – specify when the result(s) can be achieved.

Each of these components is essential. I used to think that setting deadlines (time related) was the most important component of goal setting. But during a recent family text chat, someone posted a hilarious photograph that has led me to the rethink that conclusion. Check out the photograph:

This is an actual list that one of my younger cousins actually wrote. And I want you to notice a few things. First, the goals were written down. Second, the goals were ranked in order of importance. Third, the goals have a date of completion. Fourth, (and this is when the photograph gets interesting), the piece of paper on which these goals were written is slightly crumpled—suggesting that the paper was either folded up and put inside a book or a drawer and possibly forgotten about, or perhaps even thrown away. Fifth, notice how ambitious these goals are! They run the gamut from buying a car to starting a business. Finally, notice how at some point, something happened that led to a drastic redefinition of those goals. Seven months into the year, my 20 year old cousin decided that she either no longer wanted and/or could afford a new car. New carpet was sufficient. Seven month into the year, she was no longer interested in saving $10,000. $10 was sufficient. Seven months into the year, my very wise 20 year cousin decided that instead of purchasing a new phone, all she wanted was a new case, that living was more important than living a happy life, and that instead of starting a new business she just wanted to mind her business.

To some, this diminution of her desires may seem like settling. To others, it may seem like an abandonment of her aspirations. To some others, it may seem like all of her expectations have been extinguished. But to me, this decision to modify her goals represents a wisdom that is unusual for someone her age. Her modest, modified list of goals may not stir the blood. But they do seem…easier.. They are definitely more attainable. And they are certainly realistic. Being realistic in our goals, objectives, and aspirations might just be the most important component in goal setting. Realism requires self awareness, promotes self acceptance, and enhances self esteem.

In Luke 14:28-33, Jesus told a parable along these same lines. He said:

Those who do not carry their own cross and come after me cannot be my disciples. If one of you is planning to build a tower, you sit down first and figure out what it will cost, to see if you have enough money to finish the job. If you don't, you will not be able to finish the tower after laying the foundation; and all who see what happened will make fun of you. ‘You began to build but can't finish the job!’ they will say. If a king goes out with ten thousand men to fight another king who comes against him with twenty thousand men, he will sit down first and decide if he is strong enough to face that other king. If he isn't, he will send messengers to meet the other king to ask for terms of peace while he is still a long way off. 33 In the same way,” concluded Jesus, “none of you can be my disciple unless you give up everything you have.

Just as builders must be realistic in their assessment of how much a project will cost, and military leaders have to be realistic in their assessment of how prepared their troops are for battle, so too must those of us who follow Jesus be realistic in our assessment of how willing we are to follow Christ. Otherwise, we will be guilty of what Dietrich Bonhoeffer called cheap grace, which he defined as “the preaching of forgiveness without requiring repentance, baptism without church discipline, Communion without confession, absolution without personal confession.” On more than one occasion, Jesus even tried to discouraged some people from following him. He could tell that they weren’t being realistic about themselves or about their faith. Any species of faith that requires or encourages us to ignore reality is not biblical faith.

So here’s today’s question: How realistic are you?

How realistic are your dreams?

How realistic are your goals?

How realistic are your hopes?

If you are planning to lose 30 pounds, buy a new house, fix your credit, get married, and finish your degree before the end of the year, you may want to modify your list. Be realistic. Count the cost. Counting the cost protects us from foolish fights, unwinnable wars, and asinine aims.

Is It Realistic?