Do you ever have any goals? Things you’d like to accomplish. Simple or grand?
I do. Within the past 2 years I’ve started running. I always run outside. I have no treadmill. Now as we all know fall only comes around once a year and I typically only run about once a week. (I do various other exercise inside.) You can read about why I workout here and here.
While running last fall I just loved running on the back roads as the leaves were fluttering down around me. It almost felt magical. It was so beautiful. I then got this strange idea that I really wanted to catch one of these leaves as I was running. There were a few rules.
I couldn’t deter from my original path to catch up. And I had to catch it mid air. So many times I was so close then the leaf would take a nose dive and slip right through my hand. Other times I’d think I was on the right path to get it and the wind would catch it and I would be leafless still.
It was a small goal but it kept me focused. Focused on something other than my feet pounding, my heart pumping and the fact that my legs were tired.
Well, guess what happened last week as my son and I were on a run together? I caught a leaf. I didn’t only catch one. I caught two. I was so excited that I actually squealed out loud.
Strange goal? Perhaps. Purposeless? Probably.
But it got me thinking about other goals and dreams that I have.
Things I’ve learned about setting goals:
1) If you never set a goal you can never say you’ve achieved that goal. Set goals. Be specific. Create guidelines or rules to go with them.
2) Setting a goal doesn’t set me up for failure if I don’t succeed. It’s actually contrary. Setting goals sets me up for success. At least I’m working towards something instead of having no vision at all.
3) Setting goals and working towards them is gratifying. There is an such a satisfaction when we accomplish our goals. I don’t know about you but I could use a little more happiness versus doldrums.
4) Pray about your goals. As simple as they may be in your eyes God cares. He can take any goal and make it a reality if it lines up with His plan.
5) Stick with it. Some times it takes hard work. It’s easy to give up. It’s harder to keep going. As Winston Churchill said, “Some people dream of success others wake up and work hard at it.”
So I just want to encourage you today. Set goals. Don’t be afraid. Don’t be intimidated. Just put your best foot forward and start somewhere.
Feel free to share in the comments any tips you have on achieving goals. Or better yet what goals are you working on right now?
Love and blessings,
Melanie
Marrissa Thomas says
I Really like the Steps you gave to achieve your goals.