Setting goals

Why are goals so necessary in a constructive life? This is a good question. Most of us as human beings have a strong sense of time. This is reinforced on a daily basis through conversations and our digital world — questions such as “When will you arrive?” or “How old is she?” are some simple examples. If a person pulls himself out of the teleological nature of life, he appears lost or directionless.

Eventually, in such people, fear and anxiety (1) appear. This is due to the realization, even to the most thoughtless, that this plane of reality is finite — their life will end. Goals, in a very concrete sense, set down a life path. Now to be sure, plans may change. This is, most certainly, not a bad occurrence. Life’s true mission is covered by many layers of inquiry. When we are young, nonetheless, it is hard to conceptualize some point in the future.

So how does one begin? The very first step, I believe, is the understanding that you are unique and you do have a distinctive mission in life — no matter how humble or how noble. You must, additionally, reflect on the many accomplishments that are already a part of your life. Congratulations! These achievements exist, you must now simply focus on the future. You have a legacy to fulfill.

It is essential, at an early age, to begin to document your life. Write in your notebook every day, even if it is only the day and the date — chronicle the time! Now, to be sure, there are people who do not believe that their existence has a purpose. They believe that the aim of life is to finish school, get a good job, find Mr. or Mrs. Right, get married, have several children, save a lot of money, retire and die. There are many people like this, but this is not you. You belong to the category of thoughtful people. This makes you a dreamer who believes you can change the world, even in your own small way — and are thus dynamic, driven and hopeful.

Now, is your position naive or foolish? I think not. Many well-respected figures in history struggled to find their correct goal and finish their mission — think of Sir Winston Churchill. (2) Given the two groups at the beginning of your career, which would you choose? The latter group is the zestful one that will be noted in history. Therefore, set goals — change them if you must — the final one will lead you to your mission, I am sure. The great speaker and author, Earl Nightingale, (3) leaves us with a thought: People with goals succeed because they know where they are going.

A closing thought: The most wonderful thing about goals is that you create them. Even if they are given to you, you must adopt them as your own. If someone else’s dream is thrust upon you, it is often resented — such as the family firm that must be taken over by the eldest son. I once taught a student who wanted to be an artist in Paris. Instead, he became the president of his father’s factory. He was a very bitter man, to himself and to the others around him — so unnecessary! We must lead the life we want to lead, not in the shadow of others. This is the only path to the door of happiness.

To sum up: This week, we spoke about setting goals.

To be noted: From Oscar Wilde (4) — To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist, that is all.

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