2020 Vision
In setting goals, we acknowledge that in order to accomplish them we will need to change the very state of who we are. We understand that we will have to be fitter or smarter or any other state of “better” to be more than what we currently are - identity itself must change. The goal itself is not the prize, rather it is in becoming the person who is capable of accomplishing such a task - a person more disciplined, more dedicated or more capable than before. When we perceive our goals in this manner, we are able to create a clearer vision for our own identity and reframe our narratives of success and failure.
At the turn of a new year, fitness goals are common as local faculties advertise new programs and promises. Achieving a body weight squat or your first pull up will in and of itself bring you nothing. Even losing that extra 20lbs is a task alone. But becoming a person who believes that you are capable of such a thing and having trained your body to follow that confidence is the diamond of detail that far outshines the moment when you check off the resolutions list. Pursuing goals will create the stepping stones to becoming the type of person that you desire to be, both in the failures and success along the journey. It's the revelation, not the resolution, in which we find the ultimate prize.
If we choose to see the accomplishment of goals as a byproduct in the pursuit of becoming the person we believe our imagine ourselves to be, our task inevitably becomes to live in harmony with the value, rather than the practice, of the goal. In doing so, we diminish the risk of blinding ourselves by the meaningless measure of the task alone.
As your chase after your goals eagerly in the new year, don’t let your own dedication blind you. Ask yourself a few guided questions that will bring you the revelation we ultimately all seek after:
Who should I spend my time with?
It is often heard that we are the culmination of the five people we spend the most time with. Who are the people whose values best guide you towards your pursuit? Who are the people that have strengths in the qualities you need in order to have success? Who will call forth truth in you and share honesty with kindness?
Do my goals encourage me to learn?
You don’t need to have the master plan for your life set out. Spoiler alert, you can't. But you can learn to recognize the qualities and "voice" of the path along which your best character rests. What character qualities will this endeavor enlighten in you that benefit your future actions towards others and yourself?
What are the obstacles I will face along the way?
Too often, someone eagerly sets a goal without considering the challenges they will be faced with. If unprepared, these trials come as a surprise, catch you off guard and steer you off course, leaving you with a sense of failure. If you first identity the challenges (mental, physical or emotional) that you may face along the way, the hardship they bring will be a mindful part of the process and any set back will be seen as a part of that journey in overcoming rather than a failure.
What are my non-negotiables?
Minimizing the energy you waste to activities that stray from your goals allows you to stay focused to the task. What tasks can you devote to as non-negotiable habits that will set you up for success? Consider your choices and the decisions you will control before the distractions and temptations arise.
Set meaningful goals this year that add value to your character and structure your decisions in accordance to your mission. Don’t be fitter and stronger by years end only to be broken and angry, rather take pursuit of being the person who can handle such a task with confidence and grace. If your character, integrity and faith are found grown, you will not have ultimately lost in the process.
