RSS FeedsGoals Without Controls
14. February 2005
Much has been written about the potential wonders of “Goal Setting” but I believe many of these texts miss two key points:
Key Point #1: Finding your deepest longing is always goal #1.
The clearer you become regarding what your deepest longing is then the closer you will get to fulfilling that longing. Clarity of desire brings with it increased energy and motivation. Through the process of actually seeking this clarity you can experience the excitement or feeling of actually having your longing fulfilled permeate your entire being. Being clear on this key longing will give you the needed drive to complete all the tasks necessary to fulfill it.
What is your #1 deepest longing?
Suspend your logical mind for a moment and allow random answers to the following questions come to mind. Pay particular attention to how these answers make you feel.
*What would I most like to have that I do not currently have?
Note some of your answers to this question and refine them still further by answering another question.
*If I had this what would that give me that I do not have now?
Now try these questions:
*What would it be like to have found my deepest longing?
*What would it be like to live my dream?
Here’s a clue, your deepest longing is most likely not material although you may receive great material wealth as a result of fulfilling your longings. You may want millions but for what? So that you can actually do all the things that you want to do perhaps? What if you were to commit to the task of doing just one of the things that you want to do? Something that excites you yet probably scares you at the same time. You will know when you are close to your deepest longing by the feelings the attention to this desire evokes within you. They will carry a charge and fill you with enthusiasm even if an aspect of your rational mind is telling you not to dream so foolishly.
Key Point #2: You have to make space for fresh insight and flexibility in the manner in which any goal is reached.
Marching rigidly towards your goals in a military like fashion may get “things” done very effectively BUT unless you do this with insight and flexibility you are likely to feel at least a little numb and certainly only partially fulfilled because you are acting more from willpower alone rather than from the unified attention of all your faculties.
(Logical thought + harmonious feeling + directed action) = Clarity and completion of goals.
However when you can connect back to the positive feelings evoked whilst clarifying your longing and bring that awareness to the task at hand you will be better guided in each choice that leads you towards your goal, and in a manner that is very much centered in the moment. You live and achieve your goals on a moment-by-moment basis and the journey is of course far more important that the destination itself. Are you enjoying the journey or “working” at it, do you feel excited and motivated to complete the task at hand, or are you simply going through the motions? It is the lure of the destination that sets you on the road, however it is the continued feeling of achievement that keeps you on the road, just keep moving and you will get where you are headed.
Only you know what is the best route for you and continually clarifying your route or goals in this manner will bring you great rewards. Enjoy!
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