Ever think of doing a personal retreat? The wisest among us advocate doing this often. Taking time to reflect, examine your priorities and make sure you're maximizing your gifts and affirming God's calling in your life.
Through the years I've loved doing this in the back country. No, it's not just an excuse to go camping, though I really enjoy this dimension. To me there's just something about really escaping into the wild, leaving technology behind with all its distractions, that frees one's mind & heart. If I go in the winter I'll often ski into an Alpine Club Canada hut (usually Mon. to avoid people) for a warm dry place. In the summer I'll access via hiking or sea kayak as my preferred method.
So, if you're thinking about taking one of these personal retreats, be it 1 day or several, you can maximize your experience by asking yourself a series of questions, compiled below. I gleaned these from Bob Biehl.
QUESTIONS FOR A PERSONAL PLANNING RETREAT
1- what have been major milestones in my life so far?
(encourages, but also provides a foundation for future goals)
2-what is a single word focus for my life?
3-what is my greatest strength?
(Choose only one, focus on this for the future; maximize it)
4-if I could do anything, w/ unlimited resources, talent and time... & knew I couldn’t fail, what would I do?
5-what are the 3 greatest roadblocks keeping me from turning my dreams into reality?
6-what are my 3 greatest resources in life?
(Apply these to the 3 greatest roadblocks)
7-what are the 3 greatest decisions facing me before I move into the future?
(Much stress is caused by indecision; id clearly & wisely)
8-what great ideas do I have that I would like to see accomplished in the future?
(Move fwd only on the best ones)
9-if I could reach only 3 realistic, measurable goals or solve 3 major problems, what 3 would I reach or solve in the next 12 months? (Concentrate on the big 3)
10-what 3 things could I do in the next ninety days to get me 50%of the way to my 1-year goals?
Others:
-before I die, what are the 3-10 realistically measurable things I would most like to do?
-before I die what 3-10 things would I like to do for my children?
-before I die what 3-10 things would I like to do for my wife?
-before I die what 3-10 things would I like to do for God?
