“For reasons I do not fully understand, some power is released through setting positive goals that would otherwise remain dormant.” C. Peter Wagner
I feel like just yesterday it was January and I was putting together my goals and visions for this coming year. Instead of a dream board, I actually keep a goal and dream notebook on my desk. It has my goals for the year broken into categories, some quotes and Bible verses that are inspirational to me, photos of my family and pictures cut out of magazines of visual dreams I have. While it might sit on my desk all year, it also gets buried under bills, mail, papers to file and other more pressing “to do” items. I finally took a little time last week to dust it off and go through it. It was awesome to see that a few of the goals have already been realized, even though I kind of forgot I made them! It was also really good for me to be reminded of my direction for the year and what I’d like to have done before 2015 is upon us. Whether you actively write down your goals, or simply have some wishes and dreams you’d like to come true, now is the perfect time to revisit those and adjust anything that doesn’t motivate you anymore. Goals should excite you! If your life has changed or your passions have been tweaked, don’t be afraid to adjust your goals accordingly. Just make sure you have a goal. Here are some reminders from some pretty powerful people on the importance of goals, passion and the inner drive it takes to accomplish them.
Soon after the completion of Disney World someone said, “Isn’t it too bad that Walt Disney didn’t live to see this?” Mike Vance, creative director of Disney Studios replied, “He did see it – that’s why it’s here.”
You have to have a vision for what you want in life. It is easy to see what is currently around you, but if you have no longterm vision for what could be in the future, then you have nothing to strive for. You must have a clear picture of what you want or where you want to be. This can include a promotion you want, a vacation you’d like to take, the school you hope your kids attend, you having a healthy baby, running a marathon or being able to work from home. It doesn’t matter what it is, as long as it resonates with you and you can see it clearly.
“People will never attain what they cannot see themselves doing.” Karen Ford
Do you believe your goals and dreams can come true? Can you picture yourself in your new home…on a European vacation with your family…losing 20 pounds…working for yourself…running a marathon…If you truly can’t see it or believe it is possible, then it won’t happen.
“If you can see your path laid out in front of you step by step, you know it’s not your path. Your own path you make with every step you take. That’s why it’s your path.” Joseph Campbell
Are your goals YOUR goals, or are they other’s goals for you? While these two things can overlap, you must ultimately pursue YOUR goals and dreams for YOU. In doing so, you of course may help others reach their own goals or make them proud. But you cannot do it for them.
“Some of the world’s greatest feats were accomplished by people not smart enough to know they were impossible.”
Doug Larson
We can get so bombarded by people telling us something is hard that we truly start to believe it. We get in our own way with our false beliefs that something is impossible. Break down your barriers, get out of your own way, and have that childlike belief that anything is possible!
“What could be worse than being born without sight? Being born with sight and no vision.” Helen Keller
Wow. If Helen Keller was able to have vision and pursue and attain her goals, then we have absolutely no excuse. It may not be easy or comfortable, but change never is. Take the first step, then take another. If you fall, get back up. If you have to change directions, do it. But don’t stop and don’t ever give up.
