I’ve spent the past few days in Chicago, attending the memorial service for a beloved friend, Sara Lorber, who lost her battle with brain cancer last year.
As happens when we lose loved ones before their time, It brought into sharp focus the importance of living life to the full because we don’t know what the future holds.
For much of my life, I had the preconceived notion that if I achieved X, I’d obtain Y and feel Z: Childhood - score high on that exam / get into college / feel accomplished; Career - get a promotion / earn more money / feel acknowledged; Personal - buy a house / get a home / feel secure.
Of course, goals are necessary and very helpful! However, the goals themselves are merely directional indicators. The key to fulfilment is to have goals that are underpinned by meaning, anchored to our personal values. Goals with soul help us to maintain stamina and resilience through challenges. They provide perspective about what’s important, enabling us to pivot and change direction, without excuses or apology, when necessary.
Having been fortunate enough to reach many of my goals, I’ve learned that no goal is the end of the journey.There may be ‘tah-dah!’ moments, but these moments of ‘completion’ pass. Just as difficult moments also pass!
Goals with soul help us to enjoy the journey, with the added benefit of increasing positive energy and probability of successful outcomes.
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