Power Through Goals

If I were to ask you, at any given time, "What goal are you working toward?", would you have an answer ready?  Hopefully, you could draw from a choice of health goals, work goals, self-improvement goals, relationship goals, spiritual goals or any of a million others.  In writing this, I realize I am always working toward something - but maybe it's not always so clearly defined.

Goal setting is sometimes an arduous task.  It forces you to admit to what you want to achieve.  It forces you to recognize that you can do better and that you can be more than complacent.  A clearly written goal defines that something that you want and maybe that's a little intimidating.  Is it even possible?  What if I fail?

Keeping our sights set on our goals is a tool for keeping us on our journey.  If the goal is thoughtfully written, it will touch aspects of our lives that contribute to happiness.  And, as we get closer to these goals, our life satisfaction builds.

At one time, I had a co-worker who told me she had never set a personal goal for herself.  She simply felt guided by a higher being and let life happen.  I immediately thought that was strange as my life had been a series of goals - for as far back as I can remember.  I dismissed my thinking in the "to each his own" category.   Later, when our professional lives parted ways, I felt sad for her.  It disappointed me to think that she felt no control over her life or her situation - that she was a victim of whatever was headed her way.  With her inability to set personal goals, she could never climb out of a rut.  She was powerless in self-improvement and self-satisfaction.

What I've learned, in my quest for healthy living, is that complacency is all around you.  If you have no goal, no reason to stay physically fit, mentally sharp or have a peaceful heart, you are simply going with what life throws at you.  I disagree with living as a victim of circumstance as I see no path toward happiness in this.  So the goal may take a week to reveal... or it may take a year to achieve.  Knowing that your quest is clear will put you on the journey.  Reflecting on that goal - and its value to you, will keep you motivated.  And each step toward completing the goal will build your confidence and your enthusiasm as you draw closer to your new reality.