Think back to one year ago. How were you spiritually? Be honest. Over the last couple of weeks, I’ve talked about evaluating the previous year and looking forward to the new with goals and preparation. Now, we turn our focus to the most important goal: your relationship with God.

No one should ever feel like they’ve arrived when it comes to spiritual growth. The apostle Paul put it this way: “Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me… I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:12,14).

Our goal is to be more like Christ. We don’t do that ourselves, but through the Holy Spirit working in us. Yet it takes effort on our part. The end of one year and the beginning of the next is the best time to set intentional, incremental and achievable spiritual goals.

No one should ever feel like they’ve arrived when it comes to spiritual growth.

We’re all busy, and left to chance we won’t do what may be in our hearts to do. Setting goals beforehand will put in place mechanisms and habits that lead to greater spiritual maturity. Here are five questions to ask as you set those goals.

1. What Bible Reading Plan Should I Use?

Devoting time to reading and studying Scripture is foundational to your growth as a Christ follower. To do the Word, you must first hear the Word. But one roadblock I’ve seen in people’s lives is not being intentional about their reading plan.

Throughout the years, I’ve used a number of different reading plans that are effective in their own way. I’ve used a one-year Bible, daily reading plans on my iPhone and just picked a book or section and read through it. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to reading Scripture. At the end of the day, if your reading plan helps you become more like Christ, you’re moving in the right direction.

I will give you a couple of tips, though. I recommend journaling as a way to slow down and internalize what you read. Take a few minutes after finishing a passage to put your thoughts on paper. This is a great tool to use in reflection as well, as you look back over what God was speaking to your life.

Also, don’t treat reading your Bible like checking off a box. This is more than a task; it’s part of a relationship with God. We want to be transformed by our time in the Word.

2. What Other Books Will I Read?

If Bible reading is foundational, then reading books is the first story of my spiritual growth. I like to plan ahead of time, choosing the number of books I will read. I’ll even keep a running list of books I want to read.

But the type of book you read is as important as the number of books. My tendency is to read only leadership books. I’ve found it helpful to add in books that are for personal spiritual growth. Also, you should read books from a variety of authors and perspectives. Instead of feasting on the same content over and over, find ways to stretch yourself mentally and spiritually.

3. Who Can I Learn From and Grow With?

We can’t do this alone. Plugging in to a group of peers is a great way to be intentional about your spiritual growth. I have three other pastors that I do monthly calls with and meet in person with twice a year. They keep me sharp, but they also give me a group of people that I can help sharpen.

Do you have a mentor or coach who can speak into your spiritual health? If not, seek one out. Make that a spiritual goal this year. How are you and your spouse growing together spiritually? Your wife or husband can be the most consistent spiritual partner God brings into your life.

4. What Specific Spiritual Disciplines Do I Want to Focus On?

When was the last time you fasted? How long do you pray each day? Are you taking regular sabbath rests? What other disciplines do you feel you need to improve on?

The best way to approach this may be to pick one spiritual discipline each month to focus on. Then, go all in on it. Instead of trying to tackle a lot at once, give your intentional attention to that one area. Then journal your results.

5. What Is God’s Word for Me This Year?

What’s the one thing God wants you to focus on this year? It may be a single word, a phrase or just an idea. Last year, I felt God gave me Psalm 46:10: “Be still…” That was something I came back to time and again. Whenever I felt restless in my ministry position, I returned to that message for strength and focus.

What is God saying that you can remind yourself of daily all year? I know I’ve already mentioned journaling a couple of times, but consider writing that word or phrase down at the top of the page each day. Keep it right in front of you. And allow God to do the work inside you.

Spiritual growth doesn’t happen on autopilot. It takes showing up every day and putting the work in, just like exercising. I’m not going to tell you that the more you work on it, the easier it is. But I will tell you that the effort you put in is worth it.

The most important thing you can focus on this year is your spiritual growth. Before your professional advancement, your church’s growth strategy, your community involvement or even your family relationships, getting on track spiritually is the fuel that will keep you moving in every area.