Via Hope

Let’s Talk About Goals, By Christina Carney

 

I’m going to be honest here: I’m not a big fan of the word ‘goals.’ I’m someone who likes to stay fluid and open and there’s something about the word that feels rigid. But more than that, it implies a focus on the outcome, something I try to let go of. That doesn’t mean I don’t have aspirations, dreams and ideas. In fact, I have a lot and when I look at my life, I’ve historically been someone who has fully realized many of them. It’s just that I don’t see them as ‘goals.’ Language matters here, in that it speaks to an approach; a framework for moving from inspiration to action. I’m not suggesting that you shouldn’t use the word ‘goals,’ only that if you’re struggling with them, if it’s difficult to sustain movement, then perhaps it’s time to let go of goals and explore another approach. 

When I examine what it is that’s helped me give birth to many of my dreams there are several things that I can point to, but the one that motivates me the most? Tenacity. That’s right, I said it. My superpower is being stubborn. I just don’t like to give up (not the same as letting go, which is for another blog post). What’s interesting is that tenacity – the kinder reframe of stubbornness –  is also the cornerstone of my resiliency. It’s what allows me to rise, time and again. 

If tenacity is my superpower, then self-doubt is definitely my kryptonite. When self-doubt creeps in I like to revisit the things I have accomplished. If that doesn’t work, I may turn to my friends who are good at reminding me of who I am and what I can do. It’s important to have people who believe in you, to hold a mirror up when you’ve stopped believing in yourself.

No matter what language you use, or approach you take to getting things done, it’s worth taking some time to recognize your own superpower. What has supported you in your recovery and transformation? What is the cornerstone of your resiliency? And of course, it’s good to know what your kryptonite is too, so you can have ways of dealing with it when it comes up. We all have ideas that light us up, dreams that beckon us. We’ve got things we want, or maybe need to accomplish. Find the words and the path that is right for you. Recognize and utilize the tools and resources at your disposal and go forth – do the thing. I believe in you.  

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