It’s February and we’re one month into the New Year. When I was a student at the Naval Academy, we called this time of the year “The Dark Ages.” The days are short, the weather is cold and dreary, and staying upbeat and positive can be tough.
At the beginning of the year you set some big goals for yourself. You wanted to make some changes in your life. You wanted a new beginning.
Well, if you’re like everyone else, your commitment to those goals is being tested right about now. Maybe you’re beginning to doubt yourself and your plan. Perhaps you’ve given up altogether. Today, I’m going to help you overcome your doubt. I will help you remain strong through the uncertainty. I will help you get back on track. But first, you must answer this question:
Why?
Why do you want to achieve your goal? How will it help you? How will you feel when you reach it? How will it change your life?
Knowing “why” you want to do something is extremely important; much more important than “how” or “when” you will do something. Oftentimes, after we set a goal, we jump right into figuring out how to accomplish it. This can be overwhelming, especially if you set big goals like me. These goals can’t be accomplished in 1 or 2 days. Therefore, your plan can’t be created that quickly either. It can take months or years to figure out the “how” and ultimately achieve your goal.
There will be many times along the journey when your commitment will be tested. Much like it is right now. Knowing “why” you want to do something will provide you strength as you move toward your ultimate destination.
Recently, my commitment to one of my goals was tested. Actually, I feel every day is a test. I feel a constant burden of stress which causes me to ask questions like, “Am I on the right track?” “Am I doing everything I should be doing?”
We want life to move faster and the world to grant us our ultimate desires TODAY! Unfortunately, the world doesn’t work on our schedule. It takes time for things to develop, especially big things. If you haven’t achieved your goal yet, it probably means you’re not ready. There are steps you must take and skills you must learn. You haven’t become who you need to be to achieve that goal…yet.
But YOU WILL become that person. It will just take some time, persistence, and a good understanding of WHY you want to achieve your goal in the first place.
Today, think about the goal that’s stressing you the most – the one that’s testing your limits. Write down 5-10 reasons “why” you want to achieve that goal. Make sure your reasons are clear and convincing. If not, it will be tough to persevere when times get tough. It’s important to understand, deep in your heart, “why” you want to achieve your goal. Keep those thoughts and words close to you. They will provide you with the strength you need, during times like these, to persevere when your will is tested.
Thoughts?
I’d love to hear from you in the comment section below.
-Scott
Scott Mackes is a leader and founder of the blog Margin of Excellence. A U.S. Navy veteran and graduate of the United States Naval Academy, Scott’s mission is to help others lead remarkable journeys. Connect with Scott on facebook and twitter.
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{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
Scott,
It is always so interesting to read your post, there are times I even chuckle becasue I think wow, were you reading my mind or were my emotions giving off that load of a vibe. In all seriousness it is interesting to hear from others that they are on similar journey of dealing with dreams, goals and then frustration, disappointment it just confirms that the roads we all travel have hills & valleys.
I think my biggest frustration is trying to figure out what the next step is to continue to the goal.
Hi Shelley, glad you enjoyed the post. I look forward to working with you next week. Have a good weekend.
Scott – we must be tested to prove that the goal is a worthy goal OR that we’re worthy to achieve the goal. I had an interesting thought yesterday – I set big audacious goals and sometimes I can beat myself up for not hitting them quickly enough. I think many people give up on their goals early because they feel like failures that they haven’t achieved what they set out to do quickly enough. You hit on something important – maybe the goals haven’t been broken down and defined enough. There’s something missing. You’ll need to go back to your goals and think about the next step.
A journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step. The same goes to achieving our goals. Keep making the next step.
/rc
Hi Ryan, thanks for stopping by. I’m glad you enjoyed the article. Don’t beat yourself up too much. Think of your big, audacious goals as a game and make it fun.
Scott
The first month at academy was a challenge academically. Demanding for many of us and for some less demanding, life is no different, every day brings new challenges that we must meet. The way we react to each daily challenges affects our lives and other lives. Know our own limits and shortcomings, helps us react to each challenge. Learned to smile at life, and welcome every challenge as an opportunity to learn makes life easier to handle. Accepting that we cannot control some things helps us to control our life.
Hi Victor, I appreciate your thoughts. I hope we can all remember to smile at life.
Scott – This post helped me to refocus on my goals for 2013, especially my ultimate-related ones. I was ecstatic on Sunday when the Ravens won the Super Bowl, but became disheartened yesterday when I learned that I had been cut from the professional ultimate frisbee team I was trying out for in DC. It was disheartening to not be given the opportunity to compete at that level, but I see it now as an opportunity to spend the next 3 months training for the summer club season. It will also allow me to spend the spring focused on coaching at Georgetown and continuing to grow my businesses. Everything happens for a reason and the more challenges you are able to overcome, then the sweeter it will be when you achieve your goal(s).
Mike, sorry to hear that. When you fail, at least that means you’re pushing yourself. It all works out in the end.
Scott,
Great post and certainly very appropriately timed. I think many people start to get detracted from their goals at this point in the new year or worse, realize they still haven’t sat down to write out their goals…we’re already one month into the year. Unfortunately I fall into the latter category, but your post has given me some good ideas (and new resolve) to spend some crital time going through what’s important to me and why. I’ve realize it’s one thing to just make a goal, but another to make a goal that actually means something. I wish everyone the best of luck in achieving their goals (the small and the audacious) in 2013.
Thanks Todd. I look forward to meeting you today.