We ran along trying to remember the directions that others had given, looking for signs or confirmation that we were on the right track. There were plenty of uphill sections which were quite tough but also peaceful countryside and lovely views.
Because I didn't know exactly how far our destination was, after a few miles concerns began to grow, for example, did I have time for this, or what if it was a really long way and beyond my physical range? My inner voice was beginning to encourage me to slow down or even come back later by car or bike.
Then I hit a point where the path split into three. I could go left, right or straight on. There were no signs or obvious indications of which way to go. Fortunately there was an old man tending his vines on the hillside. He was able to guide me, as he knew where it was and how to get there.
We ran on, up a steep hill but buoyed by the confirmation that we were on the right path. Then at the top of the hill we reached our destination. A truely beautiful place, with stunning views and water for us both, from a fresh mountain stream.
We rested a while, and then set off home. Strangely the journey back seemed to take half the time and was much less demanding. The inner voice that was encouraging me to slow down was now silent.
What does this tell us about goal setting and achievement?
Firstly we are rarely 100% sure of how to reach our destination. To quote Martin Luther King Jr. "You don't have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step in faith".
Secondly along the road to our goals there will be uphills but there will also be great views, so try and enjoy both.
Thirdly, without a clear goal, a journey can seem endless and we may be tempted to give up. Set the goal and keep moving forwards, then you will eventually be successful. This is why the return trip is so much easier. Once we know where we are going and how to get there, the rest is mere details.
Finally we should look for confirmation that we are on the right path. Trust your instincts and intuition. Seek out also the person who knows the way, the mentor or coach who you can rely upon to keep you pointed in the right direction.
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4 reasons you may not set goals
Personal development authors, teachers and speakers for over 100 years have been extolling the virtues of goal setting as a key method of achieving our hearts desires. Yet it is estimated that only 3% of the population have clear, written goals. What are the reasons behind this paradox?
1.Awareness
Firstly, it's a sad fact that the majority of people don't realize the importance of goals. If you grew up in an environment where no-one had goals, or you spend time with a group of friends where goals are neither discussed nor valued, you can very easily reach adult life without knowing that your ability to set and achieve goals can have such an important effect on your life.
Think about it, how many of your close friends or family have clear and committed goals?
2.Knowledge
The second reason that many people don't set goals is because either they don't know how to or perhaps they think they have already have them. In reality, however, what they often have are a series of vague dreams or wishes like, "Be happy," or "Make a lot of money."
These wishes are not goals at all, but merely fantasies that are common to everyone. In our definition, a goal is something distinctly different from a wish. It is clear, written and specific. It can be quickly and easily described to another person. You can measure it, and you know when you have achieved it, or not.
Author and personal development expert, Brian Tracy, suggests that it is possible to take an advanced degree at a leading university without ever receiving one hour of instruction on goal setting. It is almost as if the people who determine the educational content of our schools and universities are completely blind to the importance of goal setting in achieving success later in life. Of course, if you never hear about goals until you are an adult, you will have no idea how important they are to everything you do.
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