Overcoming Ourselves To Achieve Our Goals

We can't overcome the odds until we overcome ourselves.  I have seen too many people who want more from life but are UNWILLING to make the changes to achieve it. You can't decide to achieve a goal and then put parameters on what you're willing to do to get there.
There is enough evidence out there just in the number of self help/motivational books sold on a daily basis to prove this theory. The theory being that there are those that name a goal, and take the necessary steps to achieve it, and then there are those who have good intentions but don't get past naming the goal much less taking the steps to claim that goal as their own.
Sweetie has recently finished his Bachelors Degree. This was a goal set back a few years ago. While in the USAF he took some classes as he could. Since we have been back in TN he stepped that up and made a plan to take two to three classes at a time. Did this make life difficult? Yes. Did the family and friends re-adjust our lifestyles so that he could achieve this? Yes! When he takes that diploma in hand in December family and friends will celebrate not only his achievement but his focus and dedication to seeing this process through.
Goal accomplished! If you are asking yourself is there another goal? You would be right, with Sweetie there is always another goal. (We look forward to celebrating with him on achieving that one also!)

There is so much negativity everywhere you look. Folks sometimes we are harder on ourselves than anyone else will ever be. Forgive yourself, recognize there will be setbacks, that's part of it! Above all, Keep GOING! If you have a goal, big or smallplease; write it down. Write out your plan to achieve it. As time goes by, life itself presents obstacles, write down ways to get around those obstacles, and keep on truckin! You will be glad you did!

"You will never find time for anything. If you want time you must make it. "

This quote is from Charles Buxton. He was a writer, philanthropist, and Member of Parliment. He is credited for working to abolish slavery in the 1800's.
I came across this quote early this morning and it gave me something to think about.
Do you know anyone who says, "I would love to do this or that, I just don't have the time." Or maybe you have heard this one:" I'm waiting for things to settle down so that I can commit to doing this project."
To give justification to both sides of this; I know folks who say those things and do find a way to fit in something they are interested in, or a service they want to perform, a group they wish to be part of. What burdens me is the folks that I hear say those phrases and others like them, just to be in the same situation this same time next year!
Did you see the movie THE BUCKET LIST? Or The Christmas Carol? There are movies out there with the same type theme that I'm sure came to mind as these did to mine. They deal with someone who has been living their life not to the fullest, or regrefully let their current circumstances dictate their life outcome.
When you breathe your last breath, do you want to say, "I wish I had", or "wow, I'm glad I did such and such!"
We get one life. We have dreams, and goals, each different. Some seem unattainable. Why? Is it money, time? Are you restricted due to your health? Have you written down your goals? Do you have a bucket list? What are your dreams?

Look at your calendar. See what needs to be cut so you can work toward those goals.
Set the goal, visualize it, look at it everyday! Then when you succeed.. yay! Move on to the next one! This will generate enough positive in your life to keep you motivated onto the next one, and the next one after that!
GO FOR IT!

Dreaming Dreams

Last evening Sweetie and I sat with friends and listened to a speaker talk about How to Live your Dreams. He talked about how we are all faced with choices and if there is something we want to do we need to picture that goal in our minds eye and GO FOR IT!
Aren't motivational speakers something? They just get ya all psyched up and ready to jump out of bed in the morning and change the world, or at least try to change your world.
There are many opinions on how to do this, whether it is a certain product or activity or place to visit. If your family wears this brand of clothing, uses these products, drives this vehicle, all will be well in your world. How does a person choose?
I don't know about you, but I do strive for some of these products, for myself and my friends and family. We are even blessed enough to have a few of these "things" and have gone to some of the places talked about. It was fun, and when it was over, we set new goals.
While it is exciting to go and do, and have new things, I believe it is equally important to make the best out of the situation you are in currently. Is there a way you can help someone in your community? Is it a neighbor, a coworker or a friend? Do you take the time to see behind the mask they are wearing?
If we succomb to the worlds eye view of what will make us happy we will never be content, because there will always be a newer and more efficient model coming in just as we finally get the original item. (and most likely we still have to finish paying for the first one!)
Learn to enjoy the time we have with one another. Turn the electronics off! Talk to each other! We are losing precious time, time we will never get back with our friends, neighbors, and family.
Set small goals for yourself. Something that you can achieve in a shorter period of time. This will keep the disappointment down and depression at bay. With several small goals accomplished, you will have the self esteem needed to pursue and achieve the big ones too.
Another point I would like to make is.. time changes goals. One thing we can bank on is that life is full of change. Month after month, year after year, there are few goals that stay the same.
This country's current economic situation is depressing. We know several folks who are out of job. Losing a job, or two, losing your home..are huge crushing blows to a person and thier family. Everyone is affected.
How can we Dream our Dreams in this economy? How about looking in the mirror? Count your blessings! That will perk you up in this depressing time.
As I look over the last few months I see a change in everyone around me. Folks are helping folks. There is a bigger sense of community. Coupon sharing, harvest out of local gardens is being shared instead of sold, people cutting thier spending, more eating at home than in restaurants. More staying home instead of out and about. I've seen more people hanging out in backyards, on the front porches..talking to each other.
May God open all our eyes to these changes so we may embrace them as yet another opportunity to grow our faith, another opportunity to shine as He wants us too. It's amazing how much more quickly I achieve something when I take the time to help someone else out first. Who's life will you change just by giving of your time, and your abilities without asking for anything in return?