Don’t Think Of The End Goal First

Summary

The article emphasizes the importance of focusing on the process of achieving goals rather than fixating solely on the end result.

Abstract

The text argues that while having goals is important, it's crucial to plan the journey towards achieving them. It suggests that breaking down large tasks into smaller, manageable steps can make the process more feasible and less daunting. The author acknowledges that the path to success is rarely straightforward and that setbacks and challenges are to be expected. Persistence, adaptability, and enjoying the journey are key components to reaching one's goals, and comparing oneself to others can be counterproductive as each person's path is unique.

Opinions

Goals should be realistic and achievable, with a plan that includes a realistic timeframe.
Large tasks become more manageable when broken down into smaller tasks, akin to laying bricks towards the completion of a building.
Persistence is essential, and one should not give up easily, even when progress seems slow or non-existent.
The journey towards a goal is likely to include setbacks and unexpected turns, and it's important to adapt and keep moving forward.
Comparing one's progress to others is discouraged, as everyone's pace and path to their goals are different.
Success is sweeter when it is hard-won, and one should take the time to appreciate the progress made along the way.
Consistency, faith, and perseverance are highlighted as vital traits for ultimately reaching one's goals.

Plan your journey there

Goals in life. It’s not just all about the end result. Well, in many cases it is, but so many of us screw ourselves over with thoughts of “getting there” with no thought of “how” we get there. By not thinking of “how” there is no plan for our journey to the goal.

“I want to be the best selling writer”, “I want to lose eight stone in weight”. The only picture in your mind is of that, the end result. You get obsessed but with no idea how you are going to get there.

Calm down and think about what you want to achieve. Is it realistic, is it doable? Do you have a timeframe that you need to be mindful of and do you really need to work to a timescale?

All things take time to build, whether it’s a career, weight loss, or writing that book. Huge tasks are more manageable broken down into little tasks. Those little tasks are like building bricks towards your end goal. Each brick laid brings you closer to where you want to be.

There will be days where you feel like giving up. Hopeless, aimless, and feel you have lost your way. Nothing seems to be changing or improving. You toy with the idea of throwing your hopes in the trash. “What’s the point, I’m getting nowhere”. If those days come see if there is anything you need to change in the pursuit of your goals. A tweak here and there. Maybe new ways of looking at things can help. But don’t give up on your goals. The Romans built straight roads, and as they say when in Rome and all that. But you are not in Rome and your road to your goal won’t be a straight one. There will be nuances, twists and turns, setbacks, and fast forwards. And life always has a habit of getting in the way. But no matter, work around it and onwards.

We all have goals in life and that’s no bad thing. Goals of self-improvement, gaining a new skill, writing that proverbial book. But there are other goals that we aim for and our self-survival may depend on us reaching them. Leaving an abusive marriage is not easy and can take time and planning an escape route. The finishing goal is getting away from the abuser and breaking the cycle. A major health scare jolts us into the goal of getting healthier. We have possibly stared death in the face and know that things have to change in order to hopefully reach a good age and reclaim health.

Don’t compare yourself to other people. Sometimes it seems they are reaching their goals quicker. Yes, they may be and that can grate on the soul. But you will get there at a time that is right for you.

Ambling along the path to your goal and taking in the view is better than sprinting along and falling down that pothole you failed to see.

Make a plan towards your goal and walk towards it. On the days it all seems hopeless just keep walking.

They say that success can be sweeter if it is hard-won and what if it is? With consistency, faith, and perseverance you will get there. But allow yourself to enjoy the view on your journey.

And keep the faith. You will get there.