This challenge is based on the scripture Luke 2:52: “And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man” (KJV). In more modern terms, it is focused on intellectual, physical, spiritual, and social well-being. Participants are encouraged to set at least one goal for each of these facets and then to complete their goals for 40 days. In order to encourage participants to finish the challenge, even if they are unable to complete one of their goals on any given day, they are given 5 “mercy days” where they can miss a day but still successfully complete the challenge.

This goal tracker journal has five sections. “Section 01: Challenge Explained” gives background to the challenge and provides an example of what goals may look like. “Section 02: Goal Planner” has 40 pages where participants can write down specific plans for their day (workouts, meals, people to reach out to, etc.). “Section 03: Journal” provides 80 pages where participants can record their thoughts, impressions, and feelings as they continue to meet their goals. “Section 04: Reflection” provides space for participants to write how they have been blessed for focusing on these areas and how they will incorporate what they have learned into their lives. “Section 05: Challenge Tracker” provides a single-page checklist to track days completed as well as mercy days that have been used.

It is my hope that this challenge works as a way to uplift those who feel burdened with the heavy loads of life. It is not meant to add stress but rather to help prioritize the practices that have the power to ease the burdens so many people carry. It is no accident that these four key facets are clearly listed in holy writ. God cares about our souls, and thus, He cares that we take care of the different components of our soul.