Don't know about you, but at times I continue to move the goal post. You know, you've set yourself a task, have achieved it, yet you're still not completely satisfied. Often that's because you've moved the goal post. For me, the challenge is about being aware of this, yet still continuing to do it. So in a way, this blog is intended to act as a sign post, and for me a catharsis. Oh, and hopefully being helpful to you. I've spent a large part of my life with some lofty goals. Some of them I've reached, others were either to lofty or perhaps I was a tad delusional.
Now that my naivety has almost dissolved, my aspirations have become far more realistic. I no longer aspire to do anything life changing -- I do aspire to change my life for the better. Yes, even at my ripe old age, there's still improvements I can and will make. For a start, I want to eat healthier and be fitter. Simply, I want to take better care of myself. The goal post for doing this is in place. And if I leave it where it is, at least I know it's location. Unless I decide to move it!
By giving myself a pat on the back when I have achieved a successful outcome/reached a goal, I acknowledge my achievement. For instance, a while ago I wasn't connected to the internet. I was told it was being fixed and was assured it'd be up and running within 24 hours. Here, the position of the goal post was not up to me. In saying that, I doubled that assurance to 48 hours. That way, my expectancy was less expectant and I was far more relaxed. The upside being that I had time to write this blog -- without interruptions from the internet and e-mails.
Although I write about personal development and it's alignment to our personal brand, the more I research, write and coach, the more I realize how much more there is to learn. So much so, I'm fully aware of the theory of moving the goal post, however, I still tend to do it. The difference is I no longer beat myself up about doing it. Now, I just note how I feel about it, nothing more. When I take this more gentle approach, my emotions are less riled. Also, there's less tension in my body.
So overall using the goal post and not allowing it use us is highly recommended. I know it's not easy to do, if it were many more people would be doing it. My suggestion is to allow the goal post to exist. However allow it to almost hover within the ether. That way, it's position is not fixed -- making it a little like life. This enables us to envisage our goals with more flexibility. And being flexible these days is an essential characteristic for each of us to have. This blog is actually helping me to be less self-critical and to allow myself to be imperfect.
Some thoughts:
-Remember to set the goal post in a realistic position
-Allow your goals to be flexible
-Lower expectations
-Don't be dictated or distracted by your goal
- Be infinity flexible
- Less about reaching our goals, more about the journey
- Be kinder to yourself, because you deserve it
- Consider allowing the goal post to hover, rather than plant it in a specific position