Goal Setting - A Valuable Lesson

"Success is not final, failure is not fatal, it is the courage to continue that counts." -Winston Churchill

"I can accept failure, but I can't accept not trying."
-Michael Jordan

Goal Setting - A Valuable Lesson

This week I was reminded of a valuable lesson. I had been working on a personal goal for quite some time and, although I was very close to reaching my goal, I didn't make it. The pain of not achieving my goal was much more than I expected. Instead of seeing all that I had accomplished, I could only focus on what I didn't do. After giving myself some time to lament the outcome, I stepped back to take an objective look and find the perfection in the event. Here's the insight I gained:

1. Be detached from the outcome - I was so focused on the goal that I was trying to force an outcome rather than being open to other possibilities.

2. Enjoy the journey ? "success is a journey not a destination" (Deepak Chopra) - By being focused on the outcome, I forgot to enjoy the process and all the knowledge and experience I gained along the way.

3. Be grateful ? When I did look back, it was apparent that I had a great deal for which to be grateful, including lots of support and encouragement.

4. Forgiveness ? I needed to forgive myself, accept responsibility and let go of the need to place blame.

5. Live in the present moment ? I cannot change the past, so there is no reason for me to rehash what could have been. Looking at my life I can see that the present moment is wonderful, and that's where I want to be.

6. Finding perfection in apparent failure ? Now I can clearly see how perfect the outcome was. To be reminded of all of these teachings and gain new insight is a far better achievement than the one I thought I had to have.

What can you learn from my experience? Take a look at what goals you have set for yourself. Are you rigidly attached to a particular outcome? What if you remain open to all possibilities by keeping your desire but letting go of the need for it to happen in only one way? Being open to all ways that your desire could be fulfilled greatly expands the potential of what you will receive. Here's some actions you can take:

1. Look at your current goals and ask "What can I do to enjoy the process and be detached from the outcome?"

2. Read The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success by Deepak Chopra.

3. Find the perfection (bigger picture) in any setbacks.

Most of all enjoy the journey!

Copyright March 2005

As a Life Transition Coach I work with clients to identify what's most important to them and prioritize around these values. I help my clients identify and remove obstacles in the way and bring clarity and focus to their dreams. What is your dream? Are you undergoing a major transition and not clear where to turn? Call (972-306-4489) or email me, (coach.v.miller@verizon.net), to set up a complimentary, no obligation 30 minute coaching session. Download my FREE e-Book, 12 Fun Ways to Change Your Life, or sign up for my FREE monthly newsletter at http://www.thrivingthroughchange.com

---

7 Ways To Ignite Your Vision

Probably the hardest skill to teach, and the one of... Read More

Achieving Your Goals

You may or may not have a set of written... Read More

Maximizing The Time of Your Life

Setting goalsSetting personal and business goals are a must if... Read More

Blogging Your Way to Goal Success

If you have always been procrastinating on how to get... Read More

Ten of My Favorite Quotes About Goals

1. Duke (Edward Kennedy) Ellington (1899-1974) American Composer Bandleader and... Read More

Combining the Mind and Effective Goal-Setting

Goals are of vital importance in our lives. Many of... Read More

One Focus To Success

Too many times we are distracted from our main goal... Read More

Know What You Want Out Of Life

At this point in time you have an opportunity to... Read More

Decide and Declare!

Did you start off the new year with goals and... Read More

Five Steps to Goal-Setting

What would you like to achieve in your lifetime?Author Basil... Read More

Reaching Your Goals: A Ridiculous Way to Succeed

If you've ever had any sales training, you've probably been... Read More

Priorities

Last month's edition of Footprints and Monuments was about living... Read More

A Secret Technique that Entrepreneurs Can Use to Almost GUARANTEE Success!

If you were to walk up and ask successful and... Read More

The Most Powerful Knowledge Available To Man

In this article you will learn the most powerful knowledge... Read More

Requirements for Successful Goal Setting and Achievement

Benefits of Goal SettingGoal setting helps us determine our priorities,... Read More

If Wishes Were Horses Then Beggars Would Ride!

And if Bull frogs had wings they wouldn't bump their... Read More

The Promise: The Key to the Successful Achievement of Your Goals

Decide what you want, decide what you are willing to... Read More

Weave Your Own Web

Many elementary school children know the miracle of Charlotte's Web.... Read More

Are Your Goals Exciting?

This may sound like a strange question, but are you... Read More

Settling For More

You have enormous promise! Why compromise?I once heard one self-professed... Read More

Show Me The Money

For many people, money is like the weather ? they... Read More

Six Keys To Build Vision - Point Five

5.Submit it to good leaders (accountability breeds stability and security)·... Read More

The Power of Why: Setting Intention-Oriented Goals

Everyone ? particularly business coaches like me - talks about... Read More

Develop Your Soul Goals!

Occasionally when I talk with people about goals they seem... Read More

Focus On Your Goals Without Envying Others

Many of us waste too much time envying others instead... Read More

Increase Your Knowledge: Read-and-Reap

Did you know that you see with your mind as... Read More

Keep a Dream Journal: Why Bother?

Want a key to unlock your inner wisdom? Try keeping... Read More

Intense Desire: Rocket Fuel When You Set Goals!

Have you set goals, personal or business, and failed to... Read More

Achieving Elusive Goals

Everyone has something in their life that they would like... Read More

Achieving Your Goals

-- The One Pager Shortcut Series --Much has been written... Read More

Six Keys To Build Vision - Point Three

Six keys to keys to build vision - point three3.... Read More

One Life to Live

Nothing stops us. Well, almost nothing. Although we do live... Read More

A Winner Never Uses Chance or Luck to Win

In games of chance, what separates a player from a... Read More