Devotional Darling

Turn Aspirations Into Action: SMART Goals for Young Disciples

Have you ever tried to start a new habit only to see it fizzle out within weeks? You’re not alone. More often than not, it’s because our goals lack clarity and structure. Vague resolutions like “I will be a better disciple this year” or “I’ll be more charitable” sound inspiring, but without a clear plan, they’re difficult to achieve.

As parents, teachers, and mentors, we want to guide our children and students into becoming strong disciples. One way to do this is by helping them set SMART goals for their devotional lives. SMART goals are:

• Specific
• Measurable
• Achievable
• Relatable
• Time-specific

By breaking down lofty aspirations into smaller, actionable steps, we create a roadmap for success. As a certified life coach, I’ve learned to use tools like the “Wheel of Life” to guide goal setting. With a little tweaking, this concept can be simplified and tailored for younger audiences, making it a perfect fit for devotional growth.

Inspire Growth with the Discipleship SMART Goal Packet

To make this process even more effective, consider using the Discipleship SMART Goal Packet. This versatile resource is designed to help students reflect on their spiritual journey and take intentional steps toward growth. Perfect for New Year’s resolutions or use throughout the year, it fosters self-assessment, goal-setting, and deeper faith engagement.

What’s Inside the Packet:

• The Discipleship Wheel:
  • Pre-labeled Version: Focused on four foundational areas of discipleship—Bible Reading, Prayer, Serving & showing kindness, and Sharing the Gospel.
  • Customizable Version: Includes blank sections so teachers, parents, or ministry leaders can set categories that fit their group’s unique needs.
• Goal Worksheet: Helps students set SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relatable, and Time-Specific) goals tailored to their personal journey.
• SMART Goal Anchor Chart: Provides a visual reference to guide effective goal-setting.
• Color and black-and-white versions of all resources.

How It Works:

Students shade in sections of the wheel to represent their current progress in each area, creating a clear visual of their strengths and areas for growth. From there, they can use the Goal Worksheet to set actionable, realistic goals that align with their spiritual journey.

Why This Works for Kids

Setting devotional goals can feel overwhelming for children, especially when paired with the pressures of school, extracurriculars, and social life.

The simplified Discipleship Wheel keeps things manageable and is a visual reflection of their current situation. This helps them focus in on what area they need to set their goal. They can easily fill it out again as they work on their goals to see how they are progressing!

The goal setting worksheet is to be done 1-on-1 with either a teacher or parent, who functioning as their coach through their goal setting process. This individual time with someone who can be a coach in their life is vital to growth!

The Parent’s and Teacher’s Role

As adults, we play a crucial role in encouraging and modeling consistency. Here’s how you can support your child or student:

• Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge their effort when they achieve a goal, no matter how small.
• Model Devotional Habits: Let them see you setting and working toward your own devotional goals.
• Create Accountability: Check in regularly to discuss progress and adjust goals if needed.

Make This Year Count

By helping children set SMART goals for their devotional lives, you’re equipping them with tools they can use not just now, but for a lifetime. Whether it’s praying daily, reading scripture, or serving others, these habits will build a strong foundation for their faith journey.

With the Discipleship SMART Goal Packet, you’ll have everything you need to inspire growth and intentionality in young disciples. Whether it’s during New Year’s reflections, seasonal ministry planning, small groups, Sunday School, or homeschool lessons, this resource equips students to deepen their walk with Christ at any time of year.

What SMART goals will you set with your kids this week? Share your ideas in the comments below!

May the Lord bless you and keep you!