Summary

The article discusses the potential dangers of goal obsession and advocates for a balanced approach to achieving success and fulfillment.

Abstract

The author of the article reflects on the impact of goal setting on life, drawing insights from the book "Company of One" by Paul Jarvis. The piece suggests that society's emphasis on large-scale achievements often leads individuals to pursue goals at the expense of their well-being, relationships, and morality. It argues that true success is personal and can be found in smaller, more manageable aspirations that align with one's values and happiness. The author encourages readers to consider the sacrifices involved in chasing traditional markers of success, such as wealth and status, and to prioritize finding joy in their endeavors. The article serves as a reminder that success should not come at the cost of one's health, family, or integrity, and that helping others and maintaining genuine actions can be key to achieving a fulfilling life.

Opinions

Goals can become an unhealthy obsession, likened to a drug, that drives people to work relentlessly, often neglecting their health and personal relationships.
The societal pressure to achieve grandiose dreams can lead to a distorted sense of accomplishment, where the pursuit of praise and recognition overshadows personal fulfillment.
Success is subjective and should be defined by the individual based on what brings them genuine happiness and satisfaction, rather than societal expectations.
A "Company of One" philosophy promotes the idea that smaller, more personal ventures can be more successful and fulfilling than larger, stress-inducing enterprises.
The author emphasizes the importance of maintaining a balance between work and life, suggesting that the pursuit of goals should not lead to regret or the neglect of other important aspects of life.
Genuine actions and a purpose driven approach, especially in business, are more beneficial in the long run than the relentless pursuit of growth and profit.
The article encourages introspection about one's true desires and the motivation behind their goals, questioning whether their dreams are self-motivated or influenced by the desire for external validation.

Why Goals Are a Drug

Turning dreams into reality is what we all strive towards.

Whether we are a kid, teen, adult, or an experienced veteran, we all have had dreams at some point in our lives.

I have one too…a dream to traverse the globe

Since I am a student and unable to travel the world, I compensate with BOOKS!

One day, I went to the bookstore and looked around for a seemingly interesting phrase to catch my eye…

Strolling around, my eyes fixated on a certain book!

It was not bigger than the rest, nor did it have the most pages….It seemed the same just like the rest.

What made it special was the title:

“Company of One”

Immediately, thoughts began to race in my mind.

“Why would you want to be a company made up of one person?”

“Isn’t a company suppose to be a group entity?”

I picked the book off the shelf and was convinced enough to buy it. I have just finished this book recently, and

it altered the way I looked at goal setting and living life to the fullest (by not being so full).

As I said earlier…

We ALL have goals…dreams…aspirations

Whatever our goal are… sweat will be shed and work will be fulfilled with a heart fueled by a burning passion. I believe most of us are eager to achieve our dreams and to do so, we reach for the stars.⭐⭐⭐

Although…is it right to reach for the stars ?

Have you ever stopped to think about the work you put into these goals?

Thinking big and shedding blood are praised with much delight in our society. It seems the bigger we dream, the bigger our sense of accomplishment is because of all the beautiful remarks given to us…

Even at the expense of our lives and morality.

Is This Really the Right Way to Live?

There is a big dilemma that I have captured from the book’s message. We, humans, are very goal-driven…sometimes TOO goal driven.

Goals have become a drug to us💉

Society has decided that having riches and massive companies are the true definition of success. People just work…work…work all the time. Until they are jumped by death who begins knocking at their doorstep.

That’s when most people realize that maybe their was SOMETHING ELSE more important…

Families torn apart, health destroyed, regrets made…I doubt we want to be them, don’t we?

The reason I write this to give you all a HEAVY REMINDER that sometimes you do not need that big career, much money, or a fancy car.

You just need to find what makes you smile!😆

Maybe, you’re just working to impress a friend? family member? Whoever that is, what’s important is WHAT YOU WANT. It’s true that you might be a person that likes fancy cars…then GO FOR IT!

Just remember the sacrifice that you will have to do.

The effort, sweat, and time you put into your money-making machine (self).

For me…

All you have to do is find that “ sweet spot”

The goals that allow you to have fun and not neglect the other (highly important) aspects of your life.

In the context of the book I read, companies do not have to become huge to be considered “successful”. It is all about creating a company that fits YOU and most of the time, having a smaller companies will be less stressful and foster more close-knit relationships.

YOU define success…YOU know what you need.

This is not a multi-billion dollar company all the time.

In the pursuit of your goals, I love how the book also expounds on the genuine actions of a person and how it can also be of much advantage to not only others but also himself. Moving with a genuine purpose in serving others will help towards your goal.

In the small company you are creating, a good purpose and a great personality plays a key part to your success. In whatever goals, you plan to achieve, the act of helping and connecting with others along the way will return to you a hundred fold.

just YOUR friendly reminder

Ladies and Gentlemen, that ends my reminder to you today. Hopefully I have brought some awareness to you and whether your dream is really your true dream or just a manifestation of wanting to be praised.

Keep your head high…good luck on those dreams and remember:

Make goals a good and healthy drug to your body that heals your soul.

If you would like to read the book I mentioned, it is “Company of One” by Paul Jarvis

Thank you for reading!!

— Jerome K.