Working Towards A Goal

I tend to set Big Goals.

This is both a good thing and a bad thing. It's a good thing because a Big Goal gives me something to focus on and work towards. It's a bad thing because sometimes I get discouraged along the way simply because it seems like I've been working on the same goal for ages. Of course "ages" is completely subjective especially when you're working on something big because there is going to be an element of time involved.

Case in point. I've just finished writing a chapter for a colleague's upcoming book and I've just completed creating a deck of 60 inspirational cards and a companion booklet for the deck. I was (and am) excited about both these projects even though they were big and would take some time to complete. While logically I knew I was looking at a couple of months worth of work to complete both projects, part way through both projects I found myself feeling like the time was rushing forward and I was still working on these projects; it seemed like I wasn't getting anything done and it was taking forever.

While setting big goals is a great thing to do, it would probably have been wiser for me to create small goals or benchmarks within that Big Goal. By creating small goals within a big goal, I would have seen the progress I was making and I also would have created a sense of accomplishment and excitement as I continued to work towards completing the Big Goal. Without those small goals, all I saw was how much more I still had to do and at times it was frustrating. Ahh well, live and learn!

Goals, big or small always need to be S.M.A.R.T:

• Specific


• Measureable


• Attainable


• Realistic


• Timely

Write them down, then check to see if they meet the SMART criteria and edit as necessary. Then write out several copies and stick them in places where it's easy to see them often so they act as a visual reminder and a motivator.

So remember when you're creating a goal, make it BIG, and then make sure you put smaller goals within it or at the very least some benchmarks so you can see the progress you're making. It will keep you motivated and help you achieve your Big Goal.

Endings And New Beginnings

As I look outside my office window, I notice the leaves have begun to change colour signifying the end of summer and at the same time, beginning to show the beauty of autumn. An ending and a beginning held within the same period of time.

I love to see the seasons change, though I must admit I prefer watching winter turn to spring, and summer turn to fall, more than seeing fall turn into winter. Yet with each season change there is an ending and a new beginning. Each season holds it's own purpose, time, and beauty. While there are times when I feel winter is way too long, there are those winter nights that hold such amazing beauty in their stillness, the darkness of the night, the purity of the newly fallen snow, that it is truly breathtaking, and worth the long winter months just to have these moments of sheer quiet beauty.

So it is with life. As we grow and change, physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually, we will change. Some changes will be exciting for us, creating a sense of anticipation and hope. Some will hold great beauty and significance; and some, will be like dark winter nights, cold, barren and grim; yet they hold great potential if you are willing and able to look past the obvious and recognize the beauty and wisdom that lies within its depths.

Rather than struggling and denying whatever is difficult in your life at that moment, stop and look at it intently. Seek it's beauty, it's purpose, it's lesson for within its 'pain' is also the wisdom needed to free yourself from it. Rather than struggling against an 'ending', whether it's a relationship, a job, a marriage, a friendship, acknowledge it's time to let go, to quit looking back and instead turn and look forward to the new beginning. However, the only way you will see it is if you are facing forward towards 'what will be' rather than looking back at 'what once was'.

For with every ending, there is always a new beginning, the opportunity to create anew, to create something different, something wonderful, something breathtaking.

Blessings