How to be a 'GOALkeeper'
A practical approach to making and maintaining your goals
All goals are achievable.
Beginning this blog I felt a bit of imposter syndrome, as I often set goals for myself but only make it to the halfway mark. In many ways this is a blog post for myself, because I need just as much encouragement as the next person! Sometimes it’s beneficial to discuss such subjects with people who are on the same level as you, to reassure each other.
Everybody has different goals. Some might be based on study, others on prayer, on living a healthy lifestyle, or something different entirely! Having a goal and keeping it are activities that build character and it’s a part of life that cannot really be avoided. If goals were not set, life would be very boring!
‘It’s about the journey, not the destination’ is an old cliché, but it’s true. Many people are afraid of failing or constantly beginning again. But, those who fail the most in life are often the more successful. For example, Walt Disney was fired by a newspaper for ‘lacking creativity’! Failure encourages persistence and innovation, so we shouldn’t be afraid of it!
What is really important is your attitude towards your goal and towards yourself. There is a big difference between motivating yourself and putting yourself down when you meet a hurdle. Your goal should be based on something you’re passionate about. If you’re not excited about your objective, then it’s not very likely that you’re going to put much effort into keeping it!
But what’s the point?
The fact of the matter is that many people make it to the end of their lives and feel like they’ve wasted it. This should encourage us more than scare us. We want to make use of the time that has been gifted to us! For every small win is a boost of encouragement and a new goal to follow.
ACTIVITY
Instead of procrastinating and leaving everything to our future selves, we may as well begin goal setting right now!
I would encourage you to find a piece of blank paper and list 3 goals you would love to accomplish. Having a plan of action written in front of you inspires you to visualise your objective. A short term goal is something that can be accomplished in a year or less. A long term goal is something that can be achieved in a year or longer.
You may be in a position where one of your short term goals is a stepping stone to a long term goal. For example, ‘I want to study for an extra 30 mins every day’ would correspond to ‘I want to do well in my exams’. It’s important to remember that long term goals are often achieved through short term goals, taking one day at a time and in small amounts.
For now, pick ONE of these goals (maybe short term to begin) and make a plan around it. For example:
‘I want to pray for 15 mins every day’.
- When are you going to pray?
- Where are you going to pray?
- Who are you going to pray with? Will you invite a friend to join you?
- What will you do during this time? What will encourage you to persist?
- How important is this goal to you?
Then, begin as soon as possible to avoid ‘life’ taking over.
Although having a plan is really helpful, it doesn’t necessarily remove the struggle from maintaining your goal. If it was easy, everyone would be doing it and we would all be extremely successful people! Do not lose hope. If you do find that you have lost track of your goal, begin again! There is no point being harsh on yourself. You are your biggest cheerleader!
Extra Tip
Maybe find a saint that you identify with, who you can ask to intercede for you in achieving your goal. It is nice to know that you have someone in your corner, cheering you on from above!