We are often buffeted by the headwinds of life. They swirl around and push us hither and yon. What keeps the self, figuratively, on the correct path toward peace and enlightenment? These are, undoubtedly, the plans we make for our future — the direction in which we see ourselves unfolding. These are often conflated with goals. I would like to draw a distinction between these two.  

Plans are more general and lay the groundwork for a committed life. They include our attitude to society and how we see ourselves in regard to contentment and peace. I view my fellow man in a positive light and I intend to uncover my true happiness, for example. Goals, on the other hand, are more specific and directed. They are, of course, subject to change and the vagaries that plague every dynamic and thoughtful life.  

Of the two phenomena, plans are the most plausible and bring us closer to what we should aspire to. Many people, when asked, state that their goal in life is to be happy. This is a misplaced statement. When their goal of becoming a doctor or some other career choice fails to be realized they are unhappy. The streets in North American cities are laced with people who have failed to achieve their goals in life and have removed themselves from society through drugs or drink, not being able to tolerate, what they perceive as, failure.  

People like Victor Frankl, however, draw attention to the fact that each of us has a mission in life. This is the innate plan designed for us as beings and will bring the social acceptance and triumph we desire. Joy thus lies within — not in some illusory goal in the exterior world in the future, but inside each and every one of us. Mahatma Gandhi (1) leaves us with a thought: Each one has to find his peace from within. And peace to be real must be unaffected by outside circumstances.   

A closing thought: It is easy to be unhappy and hard to be happy — so says the sage. This knowledge, however, can free us to develop the plans that we aspire to attain. Specific goals in life may change but our plans for ultimate contentedness, and to fulfill our life mission, will be attained. 

To sum up: This week we spoke about our future plans and the difference between plans and goals. 

To be noted:   From Henry David Thoreau (2) — I love to be alone. I never found the companion that was so companionable as solitude. 

Just for fun: 

For reflection: 

 This week, on your reflective walk, please ponder the distinction between plan and goals. 

Every day look for something magical and beautiful. 

Don’t be a wage slave – critical thinking is great! 

Quote: Learn that peace and freedom lie within.  

Footnotes:  

1) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahatma_Gandhi 

2) Henry David Thoreau