I’m a massive fan of J.S. Bach. Arguably the greatest composer who ever lived, his music fills the room whenever I write. Bach was a man of faith who famously signed each of his works with the words Soli Deo Gloria—To God Alone All the Glory. This wasn’t a mere formality. For Bach, his music was an act of worship, an offering of excellence to the One who had gifted him so greatly. While Bach was a devoted believer, he was also known to lose his temper occasionally—especially around musicians who didn’t share his same precision and passion.

But here’s the thing: Bach’s frustration wasn’t born from pride or a sense of superiority. His frustration came from seeing the potential that wasn’t being fulfilled. He knew what was possible when someone dedicated themselves fully to their craft. When he saw carelessness, he couldn’t help but feel disappointed. Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord (Colossians 3:23) reminds us that true excellence honors God, reflecting His own creativity and precision in our lives. When we commit to high standards, we’re honoring the gifts He’s entrusted to us. Those who are masters in their craft—whether in music, ministry, or business—recognize when others aren’t quite putting in the work, and it stirs them deeply.

The Good News: You’re Capable of More Than You Realize

But here’s the good news: each of us is capable of so much more than we often believe. God has placed gifts, dreams, and potential within us that can be realized if we’re willing to make one critical choice: Either lower your goals or raise your habits.

Think about it. How often do we set ambitious goals, whether spiritual, professional, or relational, that seem just out of reach? Maybe we want to deepen our prayer life, start a new ministry, or finally achieve balance in our personal and professional lives. Goals are meant to stretch us, but when we fall short, the issue is rarely the goal itself—it’s the habits that support (or don’t support) our progress. As James 1:22 says, Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. True growth requires more than lofty goals; it requires consistent, committed action, building on small but steady steps over time.

Why Habits Matter More Than Motivation

Motivation gets a lot of attention in our culture, but motivation is like a spark: it’s thrilling at first but often short-lived. Habits, on the other hand, are like embers that keep the fire burning even after the initial spark fades. Motivation can come and go, but habits keep us steady. Galatians 6:9 encourages us, Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Habits are the consistent actions that carry us forward, even on days when motivation isn’t there to push us along.

Building habits rooted in faith is especially powerful. When we consistently dedicate time to prayer, Scripture, and spiritual growth, we’re building a foundation that sustains us even when we face challenges. Think of the impact of a daily habit of prayer. Over time, that daily commitment creates a deeper connection with God, a wellspring of strength that we draw from even in difficult seasons. Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him (Jeremiah 17:7). Our habits, not just our hopes, shape who we become.

The Power of Raising Your Habits

Raising your habits means aligning your daily actions with the life you feel called to lead. It’s a choice to lift the standard of your behavior, not because it’s easy, but because it’s necessary to achieve the purpose God has set before you. Just as Bach dedicated hours to perfect his craft, we are called to dedicate time and effort to cultivate the habits that will allow us to flourish in our calling.

Raising your habits doesn’t require a drastic overhaul. Begin with small, intentional steps. Maybe it’s committing to 30 minutes of focused time in prayer each morning, or setting aside a consistent block of time for professional development, personal reflection, or family connection. As these habits accumulate, they begin to reshape your life, propelling you toward God’s calling and bringing you closer to His purpose for you.

How to Build Habits That Last

1. Start Small, Stay Consistent

Big changes are built on small, manageable steps. Start with one small, achievable habit—something that you know you can stick to each day. Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much (Luke 16:10). Building trust with yourself by showing up daily, even in a small way, is the foundation for long-term success.

2. Prioritize Showing Up Over Perfection

Perfection is a heavy burden, and it can paralyze us. Instead, focus on simply showing up, even if it’s not flawless. Though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again (Proverbs 24:16). Growth isn’t about never failing; it’s about getting back up each time, refining your habits as you go.

3. Find Accountability

Scripture teaches us that we’re not meant to walk alone. As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another (Proverbs 27:17). Having someone who shares your vision and can keep you accountable makes all the difference. Share your goals with someone who will encourage you, remind you of your progress, and keep you focused on the path.

A Simple Challenge to Get Started

So here’s the question: are you ready to raise your habits? Choose one meaningful goal in your life right now. Identify one or two small habits that will bring you closer to that goal. Remember, this isn’t about perfection but about consistency and faithfulness. Lowering our goals is easy; raising our habits takes courage and commitment. But it’s in those small, daily choices that we begin to live out our purpose.