For years, I felt like I was spinning my wheels.
Despite all the planning and effort, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was missing something crucial when I would set my goals in my life and ministry.
And I was missing something, indeed.
You can put seeds in the ground, but you can't control the weather.
In other words...
Results–the thing we are mapping for–aren't fully under our control.
But like many others in ministry, I was drawn to the idea of setting S.M.A.R.T. goals—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound.
It sounded like the perfect solution.
I mapped out my objectives, planned every detail, and committed to achieving those targets.
But despite all my effort, I kept falling short.
So much I joyfully envisioned would simply evaporate. I was left feeling frustrated and disheartened, wondering where I went wrong.
The problem wasn’t my effort—it was my focus.
I realized that I had been setting goals based on results I couldn’t always control. I was focused on output goals: things like attendance at events, whether a fund-raising goal would be met, how many new prayer partners would join our efforts.
But these outcomes depended on so many factors outside my control—people’s choices, economic conditions, even the weather.
What I needed was a new approach, one that put me back in control.
That’s when I discovered the power of input goals.
By focusing on the actions I could take, rather than the results I hoped to achieve, I found a way to make consistent progress. And the results? They started taking care of themselves.
The Shift From Output to Input Goals
Here’s the deal: Output goals focus on the end results, but input goals focus on the actions that lead to those results.
It’s a subtle shift, but it makes all the difference.
With input goals, you’re not chasing an outcome that depends on external factors; you’re committing to actions that are within your control.
This shift in focus gives you a clear path forward, one that you can follow day in and day out.
Input Goal vs. Output Goal: A Clear Distinction
- Output Goal: “Increase Sunday attendance by 20% in the next six months.”
- Input Goal: “Create 3 evangelistic community outreach events and 2 high-attendance 'friend day' Sunday campaigns.”
Output goals can leave you feeling like a failure if the numbers don’t add up. Input goals, on the other hand, empower you to take meaningful action every day.
You know you’re making a difference because you’re consistently showing up and doing the work.
Making Sure Your Inputs Happen: Practical Tips
So, how do you make sure your input goals become a reality?
Here’s what I’ve learned from experience—practical tips that can help you ensure your inputs happen, no matter how busy you are:
1. Identify Your Key Inputs
Start by identifying the actions that align with your ministry’s mission.
What specific activities will make the biggest difference? These are your input goals.
Examples:
- Sermon Prep: Instead of stressing about delivering the “perfect” sermon, set a goal to spend a certain amount of time each week in study, reflection, and prayer. This commitment will naturally lead to more impactful messages.
- Pastoral Care: Rather than setting vague goals like “improve church relationships,” commit to reaching out to a certain number of members each week. A simple phone call, text, or visit can make a world of difference.
2. Lock It Into Your Schedule
Knowing what needs to be done is one thing; making sure it happens is another.
Once you’ve identified your key input goals, the next step is to decide the specific tasks that will achieve those goals and schedule them.
If a task isn’t on the calendar, it’s easy for it to get pushed aside by the endless demands of ministry.
Putting it on your schedule makes it real and gives it the priority it deserves. Treat these tasks as essential appointments that cannot be missed.
Examples:
- Scheduling a Meeting About Your Vacation Days To Make Sure You Actually Use Them All This Time: You probably don't take all your allowed vacation weeks. So, schedule a meeting time with your wife on the calendar for the purpose of planning and locking in your vacation dates that will happen over the next year. At that meeting, schedule the next one to determine the locations of those getaways. This will ensure you stop forfeiting your well-deserved vacation allowance.
- Regular Meetings: Identify key planning or review tasks, such as meeting with your team or planning the week’s activities. Schedule these tasks consistently, like a standing meeting. This helps you stay on track and maintain momentum.
By deciding the tasks and putting them on your calendar, you create a rhythm and structure that supports your input goals. This proactive approach helps ensure that important actions don’t get lost in the shuffle of daily life.
3. Leverage Accountability
Accountability is a powerful motivator. Share your input goals with someone who will hold you accountable. Knowing that someone else is tracking your progress can keep you committed.
Examples:
- Mentor or Peer Relationships: Find a mentor or fellow pastor (or retired pastor) who understands the challenges of ministry. Share your goals with them and set up regular check-ins.
- Accountability Groups: Form a group with other ministry leaders where you can share input goals, encourage each other, and provide accountability. These groups can be a source of strength and motivation. Plus, spreading this goal-setting approach will liberate them as well.
4. Use the Right Tools
Staying organized is crucial. Use tools that help you track your input goals and keep you focused. Whether it’s digital tools or traditional methods, find what works for you and use it consistently.
Examples:
- Digital Task Managers: Tools like Trello or Todoist can help you organize your tasks and track your progress. Seeing your inputs laid out visually can be motivating.
- Journaling: Keep a journal where you track your daily and weekly inputs. Reflecting on your efforts helps you see your progress and stay committed.
5. Reflect and Adjust
Input goals aren’t set in stone. They should evolve as your ministry evolves. Regular reflection helps you see what’s working and what needs adjustment. This keeps your efforts relevant and effective.
Examples:
- Monthly Reviews: This is a tough one for me, but I'm better when I do it. It's powerful to set a time at the end of each month to review your input goals. Celebrate your progress and make adjustments where needed. This practice keeps you focused and adaptable.
- Weekly Reflection: Spend a few minutes each week reflecting on your inputs. Ask yourself what worked, what didn’t, and why. Use these insights to improve each week.
6. Prioritize Self-Care
Part of your input goals should include taking care of yourself. Ministry is demanding, and you can’t pour from an empty cup. Prioritizing self-care ensures you have the energy and focus to lead effectively.
Examples:
- Exercise Routine: Commit to a regular exercise routine to maintain physical and mental health. A healthy body supports a healthy mind. Again, put it on your calendar!
- Spiritual Renewal: Set aside time daily for personal devotion and prayer. The average pastor prays only 5 minutes a day. Don't be that guy. This time with God is crucial for your spiritual health and well-being.
7. Celebrate the Small Wins
Recognize and celebrate your progress. It’s the small wins that build momentum and keep you motivated. Don’t wait for the big breakthroughs to celebrate.
Examples:
- Personal Rewards: Reward yourself for meeting your input goals. Whether it’s a favorite treat, a day off, or quality time with family, take a moment to enjoy the fruits of your labor.
- Team Celebrations: Acknowledge and celebrate the efforts of your team. A simple word of appreciation or a small celebration can boost morale and motivation.
Bottom Line: Control What You Can Control
The shift from output goals to input goals transformed my ministry (and life).
By focusing on what I could control, I found renewed energy and purpose.
The best part? The results started to follow naturally.
If you’re tired of chasing outcomes that feel beyond your reach, try focusing on the inputs. Set goals that are within your control, and watch how everything else falls into place.
In ministry, as in life, it’s the consistent, intentional actions that lead to lasting impact. Control what you can control, and trust that the rest will follow.
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