Today I start what I hope is a 2 month long journey, that leads to a longer Journey with an ultimate goal.
On Sept 6, there is a mud run challenge I want to participate in. 4 miles with about 20 obstacles. I think that if I tried right now I might make it a mile, depending on which obstacles where first.
So today I began a routine to start to get in shape, so I can at least finish the course. Even if I am dead last. I say start to get in shape, cause no way will I be 'In Shape" in 2 months. But at least I will have started. I main challenges will be getting up early every morning, not eating so much after dinner, and my knee holding up.
As I sit and think about this 2 month challenge and my end goal, it gets me thinking about other challenges to the goals we have set for ourselves in life. Right off the top of my head my I can think about many times I have failed at meeting a goal I set for myself, and also right now there are many people in my life, openly expressing frustration about some major aspect about their life not meeting the goals they have in mind. And so often there is one common theme in the expression of failure. That theme is, "The goal is not reached quick enough" so we get frustrated and quit.
This mud run I am going to try, is not my end goal. My end goal is to get in shape!! That is a great goal right, yea everyone wants to be in shape. But look at my goal, it is so non specific. What is in shape, when will I know I am "in shape" This is an example of why so many people fail at reaching goals they have set, cause the goal itself is so undefined. And if its not truly defined, we really do not know what we are striving for, thus we have no clue as to our progress or what to do to reach it. Also how long will it take me? Could be 6 months, could be 4 years, depending on my action plan, and efforts.
So how do we fix these challenges, to meeting the goals we set? Many ways, but here are a few I have implemented.
1. Define your goals. For me getting in shape means getting under 210 lbs, being able to run, not jog, but run 2 miles without stopping, Playing an hour long basketball session, and knowing I could play another hour without problem, having the stamina I had in my 20's, men you know what I am meaning. Getting in shape can have so many different levels, it is defining them, that will help me achieve them better, and keep me focused.
2. Set mini goals as steps to reaching ultimate goal. This mud run is just a first step, it's a mini goal, that also meets #3
3. Set time lines. The mud run is 2 months out, and I know I could not complete it now, so getting "in shape" enough to complete one is a step towards ultimate goal. I currently do not have a timeline for my ultimate goal, but I have the mud run. The after my mud run I will set another mini goal with a set time line, and so one. For setting a timeline for the ultimate goal is not as useful then setting them for the mini goals. Why? cause the ultimate goal is really so far away, and I like most of society can get frustrated with not getting results quick enough. So this way i create opportunities for many small attainable results, that can happen in shorter periods of time, that after reaching multiple of them, will lead to the ultimate goal.
4. Develop a plan of action. For each step, for each goal. And make sure its realistic, not only the goals, but the plan of action as well. If its a brand new endeavor, and you are not knowledgeable of the said goals then take time to research them, find out what is realistic for a person in your situation. To many people fail cause they do not plan out a strategy, or the plan is actually not achievable.
5. This is the most important one. Is this in line with God's plan for you??? Well I can say this is a yes to my current example. My Body is a temple, God gave it to me, it is not mine. 1 Corinthians 6:19. As such I should treat it with respect, and take care of it. Plus my health is so important to meeting other things God has planned for me. Being a husband and Father, Grandfather at some point.
I have also spent some time in prayer, asking God, how do I get my physical body to a point I know it should be at. I have been struggling with it for many years now. And a few answers came recently in the form of other peoples suggestions, personal convictions, and feelings of a new drive that has been instilled in my heart. No doubt by God. For in the end if our goal is not aligned with God;s will, it will never lead to real satisfaction.
Good luck on your own goals, and let me know what I can do to help.
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