Of course, the year-end seems to be the quintessential time for reflection and goal-setting that many people embrace, and I am no exception.
I don’t know if it’s just me, but year-end goal setting can seemingly feel like this big laborious angst-ridden process. One where you feel compelled to have big goals and big dreams with well-thought out plans on how to get there by such and such date… and be accountable for the results! Plus there is a subtle, but pervasive side effect in the process that it’s all about me, me, me… my goals, my wants. The self-help / personal development industry is rife with methods on having goals, goal setting , achievement and manifestation. At the risk of adding to that slush pile, I want to share with you my own point of view on this year-end ritual.
In my view, what is more important than the achievement of any goal is the on-going pursuit of goals that are deeply important to us. When our aspirations are powered by the energy of our deep love for an idea / vision / dream, the pursuit is so much easier, and the achievement more likely. Like breathing, the pursuit of a worthy idea is necessary for life itself– as in meaningful life. Committing our creative energy through a discipline of aligned thought and action toward goals we value in a different currency than that of the “measurement world” is a sacred practice. At this level, we know our desire for achievement is not driven by the metrics of the competitive plane, but by the infinite opportunity available in the creative plane. It’s a different ball-game altogether.
Most people set goals that are not really that important to them mainly because they chose goals based on their acceptance and approval of the outside world. Our media soaked culture has tremendous influence on our choices. To loss weight, spend less, quit smoking and drinking are all good goals, but they always seem to fade in importance as the year goes on and our focus is distracted by our daily urgencies.
You will never achieve any goal you set for yourself, no matter the time of year, unless it is powered by your own unbridled Love of it. Without Love, you won’t believe that your goal is really possible for you to achieve. And without belief, you can have no faith and trust in the process of creating what you want. And without faith, you will not persist in the journey toward it, taking on all obstacles and set backs as evidence that your path is well chosen. And without perseverance, there can be no experience of “achievement”. And with no achievement, there is no growth. If something in this physical realm isn’t growing, it’s dying. Goal setting and achievement can be intimidating stuff for many people! I know it has been for me!
Thankfully, there is Rule 6.
I first learned about Rule 6 reading the insightful book The Art of Possibility written by Rosamund and Benjamin Zander. Here’s the quick story:
Two important Prime Ministers are having important one-on-one discussions on matters of State. Suddenly a frantic assistant burst into the room interrupting the Prime Ministers. One says to the frantic man. “Peter, may I remind you of Rule 6”. Instantly Peter grows quiet and respectful. He bows and exits the room. As the men resume their discussions, another assistant interrupts with the most urgent information. Again the Prime Minster responds by saying, “My dear madam, please remember Rule No.6”! Complete calm descends onto the woman and she leaves the room.
After a third interruption played out a similar scene, the visiting Prime Minister turns to his colleague and exclaims, “ My dear friend, I have never witnessed such a thing in all my life! Would you kindly share the secret behind this Rule No. 6? To which the other replied, “It’s very simple really. Rule No 6 is don’t take yourself so goddamn seriously”.
After a moment of pondering, the visiting Prime Minister inquires further, “What are the other rules?”
“There aren’t any”
Note to self in the goal-setting process: LIGHTEN-UP!
Would you not agree– to truly enjoy life, we must experience it in an easy and relaxed manner? Not taking ourselves too seriously puts a nice vibration into the formless goo where the non-physical form of our best ideas and aspirations reside. I suggest your goal setting process begin by contemplating how grateful you are for everything in your life experience thus far and then chill! In a state of sincere gratitude, you will discover how amazingly your mental clarity and physical energy is increased to focus your talent and capability on new and bigger goals you may decide to pursue more vigorously this coming year. In gratitude, you know you know all that is required to achieve your goal is readily available. It makes the whole deal much easier!
Perhaps this might be the year, to decide to set goals that are more centered in giving back to others or to the planet than in our own achievement and advancement.
Finally, if you are setting some new goals, set yourself up for success rather than disappointment. Commit to only one important goal / idea / vision for your personal and professional life. That’s two important goals you would like to achieve in physical form in 2009. Remember it must be a goal that you truly love, believe is doable and will really stretch you. Then simply move yourself in that direction and along the way remember Rule No 6.
I wish all of you a Happy New Year with expanding success and well being in every area of your life!
ps. In case you’re curious, here are my two primary 2009 goals:
Personal:
put more focus, energy and time to sustain abundant good health and well-being through the habit of regular exercise and more healthful eating.
Professional:
learning to be a more disciplined writer by completing my book so it may serve others.
Please feel free to share yours in the comments…
