Achieving Goals

Happy Monday!

The weekends go by so fast! I hope you made some time for yourself and engaged in fun activities. Or, maybe you indulged in some serious downtime. Either way, finding time for ourselves is sometimes challenging but always beneficial.

Reviewing our goals can be tedious and maybe seem discouraging at times. However, taking stock of our accomplishments and the places where we fall short is an effective way to ensure we’re living our purpose. It’s also a way to find work-life balance because we must review how we spend our time. In addition, the discipline allows us to venture into new territories. It’s particularly true when we dismiss ourselves from worthwhile changes and challenges simply because we feel too old.

There are many stories of people who achieved success later in life. Take Julia Childs, for example. She was 50 years old when she published her first cookbook. And Stan Lee was 40 years old before getting his first big break. What about Toni Morrison, who was awarded the Noble Prize for Literature at 62 years old as the first African American recipient. Or Hubert Jones, who established the Boston Children’s Chorus at 69 years old. Not the last of many, Tom Allen still teaches yoga at 90 years old, and he didn’t even begin until after retirement.

The list goes on and on. There are great stories that inspire and encourage us to continue learning and growing, utilizing our gifts and talents to remain vital and vibrant in the current season. For instance, my Mom decided to learn how to calculate taxes at 65 years old after she became disgruntled with her tax return. And then, she was bored in her 70s, and she decided to become a travel agent. We have unique models to encourage us to keep setting and accomplishing goals!

The following quote touched me in a way that stimulated my desire to review my goals:

When we allow our life circumstances to hold us back, we lose a bit of our creativity and drive to succeed. Sometimes we must put our dreams on hold for a time, but we can continue to visualize and plan for the time we can realize those goals. And as for being too old, I think we limit ourselves with that train of thought. Yes, we have to look at reality and address logistics, but maybe we’ve been delayed for a good reason.

Maybe the idea needed to marinate to provide a more effective outcome. When I’m delayed in accomplishing a goal, it may be because there’s something better that will manifest if I’m just a little more patient and determine to be less controlling. But, of course, I know that doesn’t apply to any of you! Lol!

Here’s some confirmation in Scripture:

“I’m not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don’t get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back.” Philippians 3:16 (MSG)

“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” James 1:2-5 (NKJV)

I encourage us not to hold ourselves to perceived limitations but to pursue with intentionality our goals, whether new or from the past. Be open to counsel and seek understanding of ways to make our dreams come to fruition. Perhaps one of us will be the next Noble Prize winner. Maybe we’ll make new strides in our field of interest. You never know what opportunities will appear.

Let’s be joyful this week in reconnecting with our goals and allowing ourselves to uncover new dreams. The experience may be both rewarding and enlightening. And, who knows, you may even change your life, or someone else’s, for the better!

Be Well & Be Blessed!
Lucinda