I am a big goal-setter. I plan as much of my life as possible. I make lists, and schedules about every detail of my life. Often things don’t happen the way I envisioned them happening. Some people get discouraged with their plans falling apart and stop setting goals and having dreams; it is just too painful and frustrating.

But I don’t get frustrated or discouraged; in fact, just the opposite usually happens, I go into solution mode in my thinking and planning, and the challenge re-energizes me.

I went tuna fishing today out of Newport with some friends. We went 65 miles out which took a long time and we caught three tuna fish and then we had the long boat ride back. There were four of us and our goal was at least 40 tuna. We were on the boat so long that I still walk funny when the floor doesn’t sway and rock.

I don’t have the time to go again this year, but I am making my goals for next year and I have two tuna trips planned! The apostle Paul tells his protege Timothy in 2 Timothy 1:7, “For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline.” Paul is not talking about being timid with people, but being timid with life, don’t let life with its challenges, problems, failures, and disappointments intimidate you, instead conquer them.