Summary

Have you ever set a goal with total excitement, only to have it crash and burn within two weeks? Most of us look at our failed goals and think, "I just don't have enough willpower." But the truth is much deeper. In this episode of the Arise, Women of God podcast, host Tamara K. Anderson joins Kari Anjewierden and Tiffany Fletcher to answer the question: Why goal setting fails (and how to align with God’s plan instead).

We move from the frustration of setting the wrong goals to the peace of following a divine roadmap. We discuss the "Lofty Trap"—why trying to jump from 0 to 100 is a recipe for disaster—and the crucial difference between building a "Cottage" (your vision) vs. a "Mansion" (God's vision). Tiffany shares her personal journey of overcoming the fear of starting a podcast by simply hitting record (baby steps!), while Tamara reveals the specific ways the adversary tries to "dam" your progress. If you are tired of constant failure, this episode will equip you with a "Don't Quit Emergency Kit" to cast out discouragement and find your momentum again.

Episode Takeaways

1. The Lofty Trap: Failure often comes from trying to jump from 0 to 100 mph (e.g., working out 6 days a week when you currently do 0). Success is found in incremental growth—going from 0 to 5, then 5 to 10.
2. Cottage vs. Mansion: Kari shares a powerful insight: "My vision is a cottage, but God's vision is a mansion." If your blueprints don't match God's, you will feel constant friction. Make God the CEO of your goals to ensure you aren't building the wrong thing.
3. Momentum is Key: Tiffany overcame the overwhelming goal of "Starting a Podcast" by breaking it down to just "hit record." Action creates momentum. You don't need to know the whole path; you just need to take the next baby step.
4. The Adversary's Dam: Discouragement isn't just an emotion; it's a tactic. The adversary wants to "dam" (stop) your progress. When you feel the mental battle of "you can't do this," use the specific protocol to cast him out and invite light back in.

Resources

Do you need a plan for when you want to quit? Download our FREE Guide to Goal Setting. It features the "Don't Quit Emergency Kit"—a specific protocol to help you cast out the adversary and get back on track. 👉 Download the Guide Here: https://www.womenwarriorsoflight.com/offers/WyaLn2gS/checkout

Need accountability? Check out our Women Warriors Accountability Group for free for two weeks! https://www.womenwarriorsoflight.com/join-now

Reflection Questions

1. Look at a goal you recently failed. Did you try to go from 0 to 100? How could you break that down into a 0-to-5 step?
2. Are you building a cottage or a mansion? Ask God today: "Are my blueprints aligned with Yours?"
3. When discouragement hits, do you view it as a personal failure or as a...

Summary

Have you ever started a goal with massive excitement, only to have a family crisis, illness, or flooded house make it feel impossible? Most of us quit because we interpret obstacles as a "stop sign" from God, when they are actually just a pivot point. In this episode of the Arise, Women of God podcast, host Tamara K. Anderson joins Wendi Christensen and Kari Anjewierden to answer the question: How to stay accountable to your goals when life falls apart.

We move from rigid perfectionism to flexible stewardship by exploring the "Messy Middle Mindset." Wendi shares her real-time experience of a home flood that forced her to pivot from organizing closets to gutting her kitchen—proving that sometimes God jumpstarts our goals in ways we didn't ask for. Kari explains why we must "Record the Miracles" even in the hardest weeks, and Tamara shares a personal story of losing her voice during a major deadline, which taught her the spiritual power of delegation. If you are ready to solve the pain of disruption-induced guilt and learn why your worth is not tied to your work, this episode will help you delegate, rest, and reward your way to the finish line.

Episode Takeaways

1. Expect the Storm: Obstacles are not "if," but "when." Like a tree that bends in the wind, your success depends on your ability to pivot, not your ability to stand rigid. Wendi’s flood didn't stop her goal; it just changed the timeline and method.
2. The Messy Middle: The middle of any project (like cleaning a pantry) looks worse than the beginning. Kari reminds us to expect the mess so we don't quit when chaos peaks. This is the prerequisite for the miracle.
3. The Power of Delegation: When Tamara lost her voice, she didn't cancel the podcast; she delegated it. Accountability sometimes looks like asking for help. Delegation isn't failure; it's empowering others to step up.
4. Rest is a Strategy: We often tie our worth to our exhaustion. But the Creation story teaches us: Work, Work, Rest. You cannot sustainably achieve any goal without scheduling rest. It is an act of faith to stop.

Resources

Are you trying to do too much? You need a "Not-To-Do List" to clear the clutter and make room for your actual mission. Download our FREE Guide to Goal Setting to get the exact template we use to prune our schedules. 👉 Download the Guide Here: https://www.womenwarriorsoflight.com/offers/WyaLn2gS/checkout

Need a community to help you pivot? Join our Accountability Group! https://www.womenwarriorsoflight.com/join-now

Reflection Questions

1. Think of a recent "obstacle" (sickness, car trouble). Did you view it as a stop sign or a pivot point? How would a "pivot mindset" change your reaction next time?
2. Are you currently in the "Messy Middle" of a goal? What is one miracle you have seen in the mess this week? (Write it down!)

Summary

Have you ever set a goal to better yourself, only to have a sudden crisis—like a sick family member or a flooded basement—pull the rug out from under you? Most of us abandon our goals the moment things get difficult because we think accountability means being perfect. But real growth happens in the pivot. In this episode of the Arise, Women of God podcast, host Tamara K. Anderson joins Wendi Christensen and Kari Anjewierden to answer the high-stakes question: How to hold myself accountable when life falls apart.

We move from the "all or nothing" trap to a resilient, mission-driven mindset. Kari shares the importance of "Pre-Planning for Distractions"—anticipating the adversary's attacks so they lose their power to stop you. Wendi opens up about a literal flood in her home and how giving herself permission to eat sushi and watch TV instead of cleaning was actually an act of spiritual strength, not failure. We also explore the Daniel Strategy, showing how Daniel and his friends stayed true to their mission in a foreign land by leaning on team accountability. If you are ready to stop measuring your "Gap" (failures) and start celebrating your "Gain" (progress), this episode will give you the crisis emergency kit you need.

Episode Takeaways

1. Pre-Plan for the Adversary: Distractions are guaranteed. If you plan for them (e.g., "If I can't find my shoes, I will do this instead"), they lose their power to derail you. Expect the mental chatter and have a rebuttal ready.
2. The Sunday Report: Accountability isn't just about checking a box; it's about reporting to God. Tamara shares how a weekly "Sunday Report" helps her celebrate the 4 days she showed up rather than shaming herself for the 1 day she missed.
3. The Flood Pivot: Wendi's story of her home flooding teaches us that sometimes the most spiritual thing you can do is pause, eat cake, and rest. Resilience isn't about pushing through trauma; it's about pivoting with grace.
4. The Daniel Strategy: Daniel didn't stand alone; he had Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Accountability is a team sport. When you are in a "foreign land" (a hard season), you need friends who share your values to help you stand firm.

Resources

Need a "Crisis Emergency Kit" for your mindset? Download our FREE Guide to Goal Setting. It features the "Don't Quit Emergency Kit" to help you pivot without giving up. 👉 Download the Guide Here: https://www.womenwarriorsoflight.com/offers/WyaLn2gS/checkout

Need a team like Daniel had? Join our Accountability Group! https://www.womenwarriorsoflight.com/join-now

Reflection Questions

1. What is one distraction the adversary usually uses to stop you? (e.g., "I can't find my shoes," "I'm too tired"). What is your pre-planned response?
2. Do you measure the "Gap" (what you didn't do) or the "Gain" (what you did do)? How would your week look different if you celebrated the "Gain"?

How to Hold Yourself Accountable to Goals

Summary

Have you ever set a high-energy goal on January 1st, only to find yourself completely unmotivated and alone a month later? Most of us fail not because we lack vision, but because we lack a system of support to keep us moving when the newness wears off. In this practical episode of the Arise, Women of God podcast, host Tamara K. Anderson joins Wendi Christensen and Kari Anjewierden to answer the question: How do you set goals and hold yourself accountable?

We move from the lonely struggle to a divine partnership by breaking down the mechanics of follow-through. Wendi explains how to use the "Stress CBT Approach" to categorize your goals (Physical, Mental, Spiritual, Financial) so you solve actual problems rather than just creating busy work. Kari shares the "Nashville Buddy System"—proving that a simple phone check-in can increase your success rate to over 90%. We also discuss the "Doable Goal" principle (why 5 minutes of scripture is better than an hour of guilt) and the importance of finding a mentor to help you skip the messy middle. If you are ready to shift your mindset from performance to stewardship, this episode will help you stop quietly quitting on your dreams.

Episode Takeaways

1. The Stress CBT Approach: Wendi suggests categorizing goals based on your current stressors (Physical, Mental, Spiritual, Financial). If you are stressed about health, set a goal there. Don't set random goals; set goals that solve your pain.
2. The Nashville Buddy System: Kari shares how she walks "with" her sister in Nashville via phone. You don't need a local gym buddy; you just need a commitment to check in. This simple act skyrockets success rates.
3. The Doable Goal: Set a goal you know you can achieve (e.g., 5 minutes of reading) rather than an ideal goal (1 hour). Consistency builds confidence. You can always increase the time later, but you can't build a habit on failure.
4. Mentorship Shortcuts: Sometimes you don't need a buddy; you need a guide. Tamara shares how consulting a doctor for weight loss helped her skip the "messy middle" of guessing. Seeking wise counsel is a form of spiritual stewardship.

Resources

Need a buddy to keep you on track? Join our Accountability Group at Women Warriors of Light! You can also download our FREE Guide to Goal Setting to help you categorize your stressors and find your starting point. 👉 Download the Guide Here: https://www.womenwarriorsoflight.com/offers/WyaLn2gS/checkout

Need accountability? Check out our Women Warriors Accountability Group for free for two weeks! https://www.womenwarriorsoflight.com/join-now

Reflection Questions

1. Look at your current stressors. Which category (Physical, Financial, Spiritual) is causing you the most anxiety right now? Is your current goal helping to solve that?
2. Do you have a "Nashville Buddy"? Who

Summary

Do you feel like your most productive years are behind you? Maybe the kids have moved out, your roles have shifted, and you are wondering, Is it too late to start something new? The world tells us that at age 50 we should be winding down, but in God's kingdom, this is actually your prime time for impact. In this inspiring episode of the Arise, Women of God podcast, host Tamara K. Anderson joins Sandy Falter and Tiffany Fletcher to answer the question: How to set life goals at 50 (or 40, or 60!).

We redefine midlife not as a crisis, but as a "refinement." Tiffany shares her brave story of going back to graduate school at age 49 to become a mental health counselor, proving that God's timing is never late. Sandy opens up about the "Empty Nest Identity Shift"—moving from being needed as a mom to being needed as a daughter of God with a new mission. We discuss the "GPS Detour" principle, explaining why God often hides the full map of our future to keep us from running away in fear. If you are ready to dust off the talents you shelved for motherhood and embrace your role as a mentor to the next generation, this episode is your invitation to dance, write, and lead again.

Episode Takeaways

1. The Empty Nest Reassessment: Midlife isn't an ending; it's a shift. Hormonal and role changes are God's natural signal to reassess your purpose. You have wisdom, maturity, and time now that you didn't have before—use it.
2. God's "Both/And" Promise: When Tiffany worried about missing out on being a grandma, God told her, "You can do both." You don't have to choose between family and a new calling; God can expand your capacity for both.
3. The GPS Detour: God often takes us on detours (like Sandy becoming a grief coach after a personal tragedy) that we didn't plan. Trust that the "GPS" knows the safest and most impactful route to your destination, even if you can't see the full map.
4. Dust Off Your Talents: Many women shelf specific talents (writing, art, leadership) during the intense years of mothering. Now is the time to take them off the shelf. If it was your talent then, it is still your talent now—it just needs some dusting.

Free Resource

Ready to discover your new divine assignment? Download our FREE Guide to Goal Setting. It features the "Sacred Brainstorm" worksheet, specifically designed to help you hear God's voice in this new season of life. 👉 Download the Guide Here: https://www.womenwarriorsoflight.com/offers/WyaLn2gS/checkout

Reflection Questions

1. What is one talent or passion you "shelved" while raising your family? Is God asking you to dust it off now?
2. Do you view this season as "winding down" (retirement) or "refinement" (new mission)? How does changing that word change your outlook?
3. Have you experienced an "identity crisis" as your roles have shifted? How can anchoring yourself as "God's Daughter" first stabilize you?

Summary

Do you feel like your life is a constant battle against a messy house, a loud schedule, and a list of goals you’ve already failed twice this month? We are often told the key to success is just "trying harder." But for Christian women, the secret isn't more willpower—it’s better systems. In this episode of the Arise, Women of God podcast, host Tamara K. Anderson joins Sandy Falter and Amy Johnson to answer the question: How to organize your life and set goals without spiraling into the "shame vortex."

We explore the "Divine Order of Organization," moving from chaotic busyness to purposeful stewardship. Sandy shares how she uses Atomic Habits and habit stacking (like making her bed to trigger prayer) to set up an environment where success is inevitable. Amy reveals how she transformed her family’s spiritual life by starting with a simple dinner routine, and Tamara introduces the life-changing "Not-To-Do List" hack that creates room for your actual mission. If you are ready to shun the shame of broken routines and embrace intentional rest as a productivity strategy, this episode is your roadmap.

Episode Takeaways

1. Systems > Willpower: Success isn't about trying harder; it's about setting up your environment. Sandy shares how putting her gym bag on the front seat and stacking prayer with making her bed removes the need for willpower.
2. Shun the Shame Vortex: When you fall out of a routine, the adversary uses shame to stop your progress. We must learn to distinguish between God's loving correction (which invites change) and Satan's shame (which causes paralysis).
3. The "Not-To-Do" List: You cannot add new goals without pruning old ones. Tamara explains how to audit your life to Delegate, Automate, Eliminate, or Keep tasks—creating the space needed for God’s "great" assignments.
4. Rest is Productive: Busyness does not equal worth. Even Jesus took naps and the Creator rested on the Sabbath. Intentional rest is an act of faith, trusting God to manage the world while you sleep.

Free Resource

Are you ready to prune your schedule and stop the shame spiral? Download our FREE Guide to Goal Setting. It features the exact "Not-To-Do List" template and the "Cast Out the Adversary" protocol mentioned in this episode. 👉 Download the Guide Here: https://www.womenwarriorsoflight.com/offers/WyaLn2gS/checkout

Reflection Questions

1. Look at your bedroom or car. How could you change your environment to make your spiritual or physical goals easier (e.g., placing scriptures on the dinner table)?
2. When you miss a goal, do you feel a gentle nudge to try again (God) or a heavy wave of "I'm a failure" (Shame Vortex)? How can you shun the shame today?
3. What is one "good" thing you are currently doing that might need to go on your Not-To-Do List to make room for the "great"?

How to Faith Goals

Summary

Have you ever received a clear prompting from God—maybe to start a business, heal a relationship, or launch a ministry—and immediately felt a wave of panic? Most of us shut down when the vision is bigger than our current capacity. In this practical episode of the Arise, Women of God podcast, host Tamara K. Anderson and advisory board member Amy Johnson answer the question: How to achieve faith goals when you have no idea where to start.

We move from spiritual paralysis to empowered process by sharing a toolkit of "Warrior Hacks." Amy shares the "National Geographic Zoom" analogy, explaining why God only shows us a tiny texture of the map at a time (because if we saw the whole picture, we’d run!). We discuss the 42% Rule—why writing your goal down drastically increases your success rate—and share creative, "redneck" ways to keep your goals visible, from packing tape in the shower to lock screens. Finally, we tackle the "Dam Principle"—understanding that the adversary wants to damn (stop) your progress—and give you a specific protocol to cast out darkness when all hell breaks loose. Tune in to turn your massive download into manageable steps!

Episode Takeaways

1. Capture the Download: God’s inspiration often comes as a heavy weight in our minds. whether you are a writer or a talker, you must get it out of your head and into the physical world to process it.
2. The "Zoom" Analogy: Like those zoomed-in photos in National Geographic, God usually only shows us a tiny piece of the texture. If He showed us the full picture (the "forest"), we would be overwhelmed. Our job is to focus on the zoomed-in step, not the whole map.
3. The 42% Rule: You are 42% more likely to achieve a goal simply by writing it down. Use visual anchors like sticky notes on mirrors or phone lock screens to keep the vision in front of your face.
4. The "Dam" Principle: The word "damn" means to stop progress (like a river dam). Satan is damned (stopped), so he wants to stop your progress too. When resistance hits, it’s not a sign to quit; it’s a sign to use spiritual warfare to cast out the adversary.

Free Resource

Do you need the specific prayer protocol to stop the adversary from "damming" your progress? Download our FREE Guide to Goal Setting. It includes the "Cast Out the Adversary" page mentioned in this episode. 👉 Download the Guide Here: https://www.womenwarriorsoflight.com/offers/WyaLn2gS/checkout

Reflection Questions

1. Think of a goal God has given you. If you are honest, are you trying to look at the "whole map" instead of the "zoomed-in" step?
2. How do you best process revelation? Are you a writer (journaling) or a talker (verbal processing)? Are you making space for that method?
3. Have you experienced the "Dam Principle"—where everything goes wrong just as you start to make progress? How does realizing this is an enemy tactic

Summary

In this episode of the Arise, Women of God podcast, we tackle the high-stakes question: Why set faith goals when life is already a whirlwind of chaos? Host Tamara K. Anderson and advisory board member Amy Johnson explore how a single spiritual anchor can shift your entire world from merely "good" to truly "great."

If you feel constantly bombarded by the noise of the world—like you are driving down a freeway of endless distractions—this episode is for you. Amy shares the powerful "Fence Post Analogy," explaining how keeping your eye on one fixed point (Jesus) allows you to plow a straight line in every other area of your life, including your business and family. We also revisit the story of Mary and Martha, uncovering a surprising insight: the true indicator of whether you have chosen the "better part" isn't just about what you are doing, but whether you are at peace while doing it. Whether you are a "scriptorian" like Amy's mom or a "doer" like her dad, this episode reveals how faith goals act as the ultimate filter to help you discern the vital few from the trivial many. Tune in to move from frantic to focused!

Episode Takeaways

1. The Whirlwind of Distraction: We live in a world of "dizzying distractions." Faith goals act as a spiritual filter, helping us cut through the misinformation and noise to focus on what matters most.
2. The Mary & Martha Filter: The difference between Mary (sitting) and Martha (serving) wasn't just their actions; it was their internal state. Martha was anxious; Mary was at peace. If your goals don't bring you peace, it’s time to re-center.
3. The Fence Post Analogy: To plow a straight row, a farmer must keep his eye on a fixed fence post at the end of the field. If you keep your eye on Jesus (your fence post), every other "row" in your life (health, finances, family) will naturally straighten out.
4. Good is the Enemy of Great: Drawing from the book Good to Great, we learn that settling for a "good" life often keeps us from the "great" life God has for us. Faith goals help us choose the great part.

FREE Resource

Ready to find your "Fence Post" and stop the spiritual dizziness? Download our FREE Guide to Goal Setting. It includes the "Sacred Brainstorm" worksheet to help you filter out the noise and hear God's voice. 👉 Download the Guide Here: https://www.womenwarriorsoflight.com/offers/WyaLn2gS/checkout

Reflection Questions

1. Do you feel more like Mary (at peace) or Martha (distracted) in your daily life right now? What does that tell you about your current goals?
2. What is the “Whirlwind” in your life (social media, news, busyness) that makes you feel most dizzy? How can a faith goal act as a filter for that specific distraction?
3. Visualize your life as a field. If Jesus is the “Fence Post” at the end, are your current rows (habits/choices) lining up with Him, or are they crooked?