I decided to start listing my goals so that I could then “weigh the cost” of each of those goals. After I had listed a couple of them I realized that what I was listing were costs. I had not listed any goals at all.
For example, I had a goal to exercise every day. If you think about it, that is not really the end goal. It could be argued that that is a short term goal. However I consider short term goals to be part of the cost of the ultimate goal. The ultimate goal may in all actuality be something like this: “Be physically fit enough to go snowboarding at age 100”.
Apparently I need to rethink what goals are.
Good point, Jonathan. Goals always come with consequence and sacrifice. They may be positive sacrifices and consequences, but that is the nature of our lives, don’t you think?
I most assuredly do think, Trishelle. 😉 I also agree. And as I learn from Dr. Paul, part of setting goals should be an evaluation of the costs involved. Otherwise, once we start down the path to that goal we may encounter things that we did not consider that may derail us and keep us from reaching that goal. If we work toward our goals with the understanding that it is going to be “work” then we may be more apt to stick to it. We should not be afraid of work, but we should be aware that most things of value that we have in life came because of work. Work and pain are what make reaching goals and having relationships worth it. There must be opposition in all things.
If the stuff we do every day is the cost of our more elusive goals — say, physical fitness, a clean home, better relationships — am I the only one out there who feels like she has to focus on the day-to-day bill paying, so to speak?
No, I think it is only natural to focus on the day to day goals. I think we all do that and to some extent, I think it is unavoidable, as it is just part of the process. Especially until you can do it long enough to make it a habit. Once it becomes a habit, the daily routine becomes much less of a burden and it is easier to focus on other things.
That’s true. I guess with my daily bill paying of say, exercising and trying to eat right, I tend to skip around trying lots of different things hoping SOMETHING will work. But maybe weight loss in itself is a cost rather than a goal. I might look worse, but I do feel better. 🙂
Velda, I think you are on to something. I think that the power of positive thinking may actually work better when you picture yourself feeling great, rather than if you focus on losing weight. If you look at the phrase, “weight loss”, you have two words with negative connotations right there. If we are what we think then I do not think “weight loss” is very helpful. “Feeling great” sounds much nicer and more positive.
Hehe, what I really need to do is focus on feeling better every way, and not just when it comes to fitness. Stressing about weight loss really is a cost that outweighs its benefits.
Setting goals should be based on what we think and feel – what should take priority in our lives. For other people, it’s losing weight…to others, it’s financial security, whatever your goals may be, just be sure you’re in it 100% of the way. 🙂 Sometimes, goals cost you more than you expect but at the end, you realize you’re getting the better end of the bargain.