Life is an interesting phenomenon – my life is an interesting phenomenon, that is, because, aside from my connectivity with the universe, it is the only “real” reality I have ever known, know at this moment and will know in the future. That being said, if you truly set your goal on something – whatever it is – given your set of givens, (1) and plot a determined course, you will achieve your goals, perhaps. This caveat is here because, firstly, our givens are somewhat limiting and, secondly, of course, life is fickle. When I say determined, I do mean that all your power has to be focused on that one goal, whether it takes an era or not – think Churchill! (2) You do run the greatest chance of happiness in your lifetime if you adopt this position. This is due to the fact that your mission in life, hence your happiness, is not embodied in the goal – the arrival – but, in the journey.Notably, it is the interior journey that has real meaning in the end.
“Happiness is a journey, not a destination. For a long time it seemed to me that life was about to begin — real life. But there was always some obstacle in the way, something to be gotten through first, some unfinished business, time still to be served, and a debt to be paid. At last it dawned on me that these obstacles were my life. This perspective has helped me to see there is no way to happiness. Happiness is the way. So treasure every moment you have and remember that time waits for no one.” (3)
On the negative side, what if the statement becomes, “I have no goals, I feel that there is no meaning to my life? I see existence as both confusing and boring.” This is certainly within the purview of many post-Millennials. How do you stimulate these young people? The short answer is — you are unable to, you can’t! You are powerless. The only person you can truly change is yourself. You are responsible for your own approach to the world. You can only be an “influencer.” People will follow and believe you through your words and actions. One of the ways in which you can encourage goal realization, most certainly, is to suggest to all people that they document every single day. They buy a notebook and write down their occurrences, no matter how banal or uninteresting. From this, a pattern will appear.
Everyone has an approach to life. With this action, a search for a goal can begin. Let us say, for instance, you are attracted to animals. This can lead to the development of a career in the environmental movement which will help make our world a better place. What is true is that everyone has a purpose to life. There, potentially, is a goal, a direction, to be uncovered in everyone. Now, of course, if you are totally reticent and you refuse to act on you, you are responsible for the consequences. My life is my fault – quite literally. It is a precious treasure, whether I see it this way or not is tragically, in many circumstances, up to me. I should not throw it away foolishly.
Mahatma Gandhi (1869-1948) leaves us with some advice: Keep your thoughts positive because your thoughts become your words. Keep your words positive because your words become your behavior. Keep your behavior positive because your behavior becomes your habits. Keep your habits positive because your habits become your values. Keep your values positive because your values become your destiny.
A closing thought: All of us, I feel, are responsible to be agents of change when it comes to goal setting and career development. It has always been difficult to be conscious. Life has never been without its travails and frustrations. It is still a fantastic temporal bequest. Many do not know how to spend its time prudently. They either learn or waste it. We are, therefore, obligated to shine as much as we can, then others “Seeing, shall take heart again” to quote Longfellow (1807-1882).
To sum up: This week, we spoke about goal setting and how it can be achieved. Our secret weapon is the ability to act – action produces change.
A small joke: A woman walks into a local library and asks if they have any books on how to cure paranoia. The clerk nonchalantly answers, “They are right behind you!”
Just for fun – Gershwin Rhapsody in Blue
This week, on your contemplative walk, please ponder your mission in life and the example you present to others.
Every day look for something magical and beautiful.
Quote: Each morning, I must show gratitude for my magnificent gift of life.
Footnotes:
2) Winston Churchill: The Wilderness Years, 1929-39
3) Attributed to Fr. Alfred D’Souza