What obstacles are holding you back from achieving your goals that you may be able to prevent? Growing up in Ryan Ok, before every family vacation, my dad had a meticulous routine that I found annoying as an eager kid ready for some lakeside fun. Checking the car’s oil, tire pressure (including the spare), ensuring the jack was on board, testing lights and blinkers, and even making sure we had a flashlight – these were steps my dad took without fail. Back then, I couldn’t understand why he took so long. Little did I know, he was unintentionally imparting one of the most crucial lessons in achieving goals.
Benjamin Franklin’s famous quote, “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail,” echoes the essence of what my dad was teaching me. While goal setting is undeniably exciting – envisioning that new dress, the shiny car, or the dream house – the real work begins with planning.
It’s easy to get caught up in the dream phase, but merely having a goal and a plan is not enough. Many people falter here, assuming the hard part is over. This is precisely where my dad’s teachings come into play.
Achieving goals is not just about dreaming and planning; it’s about identifying potential obstacles. It’s a step often overlooked, dismissed by those who advocate an exclusively positive mindset. However, acknowledging that setbacks are part of the journey is crucial.
Just as my dad prepared for the possibility of a flat tire on a vacation road trip, you must anticipate obstacles on your goal achievement journey. Life is unpredictable, and challenges will arise. Take losing weight, for example – what if it rains on your planned walking days? Or quitting smoking, when your friends invite you for a night out?
If you’re serious about your goals, take a moment today to list potential obstacles and devise strategies to overcome them. Embrace the inevitability of challenges and arm yourself with a plan. Just like my dad’s vacation ritual, it’s about ensuring you’re ready for the unexpected, stacking the odds in your favor to crush your goals.