Dr. J. Michael Flynn January 2017
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It is commonly thought that there are three kinds of people in this world: those that make things happen, those that watch things happen, and those who wonder what just happened? As we start another new year, there are those who will not make any goals because they believe “that stuff doesn’t work” or “why waste my time thinking about making a goal that I know I won’t keep”. Others will start the year with the right intention of setting goals, but will soon abandon them. One guess would be these groups might be “lacking” something called ambition, passion, discipline, or persistence.
There is one young man that is not lacking in any of those attitudes. At the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Michael Phelps became the most decorated Olympian in history. He competed in his first of five consecutive Olympic Games at the age of 15, where he did not medal. Over the next four Summer Olympics he won 28 Olympic medals, 23 of which were gold. In Rio, at the age of 31, he won five gold medals and a silver. This quote by him is revealing, “I like to think of myself as a normal person who just has a passion, has a goal and a dream and goes out and does it. And that’s really how I’ve always lived my life.”
There will be others who will put some thought into their goals. They are not aimless. Their passion will help determine how close they come to achieving or exceeding their goals. They will make things happen!
In answering the question of “why have goals,” you might appreciate what the legendary expert on human character development Earl Nightingale said, “We are at our very best and we are happiest, when we are fully engaged in work we enjoy on the journey towards the goal we’ve established for ourselves. It gives meaning to our time off and comfort to our sleep. It makes everything else in life so wonderful, so worthwhile.”
If you don’t want to wonder what happened or watch what happens, how about putting the effort into making some good things happen for you and those you love in the new year? Think about what you want to achieve this year and write them down. Goals that are written and not just thought about will provide the influence to reach the success you desire. Your goals should motivate you and you should practice visualization. In your mind’s eye see yourself accomplishing the goal. One of the best motivational speakers I ever heard was Zig Zigler. He could often be heard saying, “some folks think motivation does not last. Well neither does bathing. That is why I recommend both daily.”
Among your goals for the New Year should include to be healthier and happier. Being fit in body, mind and soul is not a destination; it is a way of life. The price is putting in the effort with the determination and discipline to succeed. Pay the price and reap the rewards!
Take a hard look at your attitude in life. Thomas Jefferson, put it this way, “Nothing can stop the person with the right mental attitude from achieving their goal; nothing on earth can help the person with the wrong mental attitude.” Attitude is defined as a way of thinking or feeling about someone or something, that is reflected in a person’s behavior. Gratitude is a valuable attitude. Be grateful that no matter where you are in life you can, by choice, make goals to improve your life. When life gives you a hundred reasons to cry and despair, give life a thousand reasons to smile and be hopeful. Be that someone who “goes out and does it.”
Published in POV Magazine
