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

---

Establishing Dreams and Goals

(Excerpted from Week Six of the Jim Rohn One-Year Success... Read More

One Focus To Success

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

Improve Your Self Confidence

Knowing yourself is the foundation of self-esteem, self confidence and... Read More

Intrapersonal Communication

What is intrapersonal communication? It is communicating with yourself.Most people... Read More

Action Achieves Goals - Talk Is Cheap

It is very easy and a lot of fun to... Read More

The Painless Solution To Procrastination

I have a confession to make. Once upon a time,... Read More

If You Cant See Your Way to Completing Your Goal, Its Time to Check Your Vision

Have you been having trouble achieving a specific goal? Are... Read More

Planning Ahead Of Everyone Else To Win

What does it take to plan like a champion?Well lets... Read More

If Wishes Were Horses Then Beggars Would Ride!

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

21 Life Changing Questions You Cant Afford to Not Ask!

Imagine finally taking off seven coats you've been wearing on... Read More

Weave Your Own Web

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

Top Ten Methods for Never Achieving Your Goals

Top Ten methods to never achieve your goals:1. Be really... Read More

Show Me The Money

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

How to Handle Getting Caught Off Guard

I remember the time that I swore to myself that... Read More

Goals - If You Don?t Know What You Want, Then How Are You Going to Get It?

Recently, I spoke with a client who wanted me to... Read More

Achieving Elusive Goals

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

One Single Secret to Goal Setting Success

Perhaps you have never taken a stock of the most... Read More

Perseverance: When You Master this Tool, Your Goal Setting Success will Soar

"Life is not easy for any of us. We must... Read More

Is Personal Goal Setting REALLY Necessary?

What is your reason for setting a goal?This is the... Read More

In Pursuance of Your Dream Career

What do u wanna be when you grow up?" "... Read More

Goal Believing is the First Step to Goal Achieving

We've just gone from "the Holiday Season" to the "Goal... Read More

The Most Powerful Knowledge Available To Man

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

Living The Real Life Beyond Goal Setting

In many of his wonderful talks the motivational speaker Zig... Read More

When Expectations Are Not Clear!

IntroductionThere were two incidents, which inspired me to write this... Read More

Check Your Frequency

From time to time we need to stop during our... Read More

Goal Getting: 5 Steps to Get You There Quickly

One of the things that frustrated me while in school... Read More

Be Selfish With Your Goals

All too often good-intentioned people set forth goals designed to... Read More

Master Your Destiny

Do you have a goal for the future that you... Read More

Achieve Your Goals By Doing Something About Them

The title of this article sounds simplistic but it is... Read More

Planning for Success

The purpose of having an analytical brain is to use... Read More

How to Keep Your Focus on Your Home Business Goals

As you begin your new home business you will find... Read More

Productive Goal Setting

There's been a lot written about goal setting and there... Read More

The Synergy of Vision

Over the years I have experienced some amazing results with... Read More