Photo Courtesy of Pixel Addict (flickr)
In the spirit of setting big goals for 2010, I wanted to discuss this topic because I can’t stop thinking about it. Could I actually guarantee that I will accomplish the commitments I have set for myself? Assuming that I can, how will I make them a reality? This has been bugging me because I have a lot on my agenda right now. I have the feeling that I have overbooked myself and have bitten off more than I can chew. So, I have prioritized my personal and professional goals and now I’ll be making cuts. I have realized that in order to accomplish the goals I care the most about, I have to sacrifice the goals that are of least importance in my life right now.
Obviously, focusing all my energy on one or two big goals will make this process more focused and probably easier, but will intense focus alone be enough to guarantee they will happen? I think the answer depends on a few factors. One, how much do I care about the goals? What is my level of desire? Secondly, how easy would it be to fail? Can I force myself to succeed, leaving no other alternative? I believe the desire needs to be a given. If you don’t have a burning passion to complete the goal, it simply won’t happen. However, the second part is what intrigues me the most. Is it possible to force myself to succeed? I think the answer is yes, and it will take a little creativity to make it possible. Let’s break down some examples.
In my previous blog, Why Running at 5 AM is Awesome!, I discussed how I have two alarm clocks in my room that force me to get out of bed in order to ensure the morning workouts actually happen. This strategy has proven to be very effective because I have only skipped one or two workouts in the last few months, as opposed to sleeping through every single one like I used to.
I have another idea, although I will say that I haven’t yet tried this. If you wanted to run a specific distance, say 26.2 miles, but you weren’t sure if you would have enough personal stamina to do it without help, I have a potential solution. Have someone drive you 26.2 miles from your house and leave you there with only a water bottle, some gel packs, and a cell phone that only dials 911. I don’t think those exist, but you get the point. With this scenario, you’ll either run the entire distance or die trying. Sounds awesome!
Last year my wife and I were trying to move to Nashville but we hadn’t yet figured out how to do it because we didn’t have jobs lined up or a place to live. So, we did what any normal couple would do, we quit our jobs, subleased out apartment, and rented a moving truck. One week prior to moving day we signed a lease to an apartment we found online but had never visited. In fact, neither of us had ever even been to the state of Tennessee. The moral of the story is that if we had waited until we found the perfect job and the most ideal place to live, we would probably still be searching. Instead, we’re living in a great apartment (the same one we signed originally) and we’ve both found employment.
The trick to this process is to get creative and figure out how you can force yourself to accomplish your goals. Your adventure will definitely involve risk, faith, sacrifice, and a lot of determination while you work as quickly as possible to make your goals a reality.
In light of my revelation that I personally need to focus on my most important goals, I will be putting the blog on hold for a few weeks. This post will be the last one I write until my book has been written. I have been working off and on with my idea for a book since June and it isn’t finished yet. So, I have made the decision to force success into my own life my eliminating distractions from my top priority. In the mean time you can feel free to read and comment on the posts and send me emails. I will still be around, but I will most likely be completely immersed in my 1st big goal for 2010.
Until next time, good luck on your goals and enjoy the holidays!
Remember, every day is a Great Day!
- Jeff
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Interesting blog post: Looking for success? Go and make it happen! http://bit.ly/4KSiJV
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Nice post Jeff! I have had similar experiences in the past and it may just happen again when I graduate from my MPA program. Good luck with the book!
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Pain is the solution. The endurance for pain is the destination. Endure the pain of your imperfection to the last drop, and lick your lips. The pain is the fun part. I dread being sedated by comforts. I want experience. I want a hard rub on some cheese grating barbed wire to find the marrow of existence. Your mind creates your necessary pain and the resulting gratification of completion. Those that resist the pain will not learn. Those that rub their faces in the dirtiest dredges of loathsome failure will laugh at those who piss their pants at the edge of the diving board. And in the end, its all a folly illusion prompted by tiny sparks in your otherwise nonexistent brain.
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