REAL Goal Setting, Part 2
E — Eliminate Emotional Barriers
To move forward in your REAL life plan, you need to release what’s holding you back—not just in your schedule, but in your spirit. The E stands for Eliminate Emotional Barriers.
1. Eliminate Past Failures from Your Mind
You are not your past.
Mistakes, missteps, and missed opportunities may have shaped you—but they don’t define you.
If you’re constantly rehearsing your past, your future stays stuck.
Release the story of failure. Replace it with truth:
“I may have failed, but I am not a failure. God is still writing my story.”
Reflect: What failure have you been carrying that it’s time to lay down?
2. Emotion Negotiation
Your emotions are signals, not dictators. You don’t have to silence them—but you can learn to negotiate with them.
Ask:
- What is this emotion trying to tell me?
- Is this feeling based on truth, or a triggered memory?
- How can I respond instead of react?
Set your emotional limits. Refuse to let fear, shame, or anxiety write your goals.
Instead, invite emotions like:
- Calm – to think clearly
- Confidence – to take action
- Compassion – for yourself and others
- Determination – to keep going, even when it’s slow
Practice: When you feel overwhelmed, breathe deeply and ask: “What emotion is leading me right now—and is it moving me toward who I want to become?”
3. Encourage Positive Emotions
You don’t have to wait for joy, peace, or gratitude to show up—you can invite them.
- Surround yourself with what inspires and uplifts you.
- Celebrate small wins.
- Use affirmations rooted in scripture and truth.
- Practice habits that reinforce joy (music, movement, nature, prayer).
Try this affirmation from Romans 15:13: “I am filled with all joy and peace as I trust in Him.”
In Summary:
E = Eliminate Emotional Barriers
- Let go of past failures
- Learn emotional self-awareness and regulation
Cultivate peace, motivation, and clarity through positive emotional habits
