Let’s be honest
In my yesterday’s article “What You Didn’t Know about Goals,” I started with the definition of the word “goal.” Contrary to what you so often hear, goals are not something you must have. You have no problem living without one.
Maybe you are not convinced. You are so highly motivated. You think your life will be too mediocre if you don’t set a goal.
Today let’s take a little closer look at this goal.
- “My goal is to lose 30lbs in 6 months.”
- “My goal is to climb up the top of Mt. Everest.”
- “My goal is to grow my company’s revenue to $100 mil. in 3 years.”
All three can be great goals.
But wait! What’s the difference between the above sentences and the ones below?
- “I desire to lose 30lbs in 6 months.”
- “I desire to climb up the top of Mt. Everest.”
- “I desire to grow my company’s revenue to $100 mil. in 3 years.”
Aren’t goals nothing more than glorified version of your desires?
There is nothing to glorify about having a desire. We know that merely having desires doesn’t mean much. They are all fanciful ideas created in your mind, not yet materialized. Then why is it such a big deal to setting goals?
To have a goal or desire doesn’t get you to lose 30lbs. Actions such as eating less or doing exercise get you lose 30lbs.
To have a goal or desire doesn’t get you to climb up the top of Mt. Everest. Detail planning and moving your step one at a time eventually get you to step on the peak of the mountain.
To have a goal or desire doesn’t get your company’s revenue to $100 mil. All the activities of your company like making attractive products or services, marketing, selling, customer service, maintenance… with all these functioning well may result in $100. Mil. revenue.
What matters is your actions. Series of actions. If you continue your right actions, you may lose way more than 30lbs. You may climb up not only Mr. Everest but some other peaks. Your company’s revenue may well surpass $100 mil. with the right actions.
Then my question: Which is really more important? Goals (or desires)? Or series of actions you conduct?