I’m all for setting myself targets, goals, whatever you want to call them. In order to remain motivated and focused I need something to aim towards, a distant event or total that I can latch onto when I’m struggling to overcome the various challenges I set myself. They allow me a degree of control, a rarity indeed in these times of trial and turmoil that we are being asked to navigate.
Take books. I’ve just finished my third and it’s currently being pored over by my beta readers prior to winging its way to my publisher. Every step of the way I have set dates, aspirations that I have chipped away at like a mountaineer scrambling up a sheer rock-face. Small steps and no taking my eyes off the summit, all the while edging towards the ultimate prize – holding the finished product in my hands.
There are so many others that I clamber towards as well. Running targets, although 2021 has been fairly disastrous in that respect as I battle lethargy and unpredictable health. Work targets, family targets, the list goes on and on and on. Everything is measurable and I’m afraid to stop and step off the treadmill in case I can never back on again. Anxiety and doubt are always nipping at my heels while the OCD monster stirs in the corner, hinting always at an unwanted return.
Change is chaotic, challenging, and constant. In order to develop and improve, to reach new levels we need to adapt to, and overcome, it. As I attain my goals I realise I have changed in the journey towards them. I am a different person from when I set out upon this arduous path. That is where transformation takes place, the final destination is only a means to an end. How are you changing today? What are your targets and goals?
Black Thoughts 
I think you’re right in that we all need our own targets in order to maintain interest and give us motivation. And then there’s the odd challenge thrown at us by ‘life’ which we all need to try and overcome. We learn and evolve as time passes by – hopefully for the better. Well done on getting to this stage of your latest book. I’m sure I’m not the only one waiting to read it. 😊
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Thank you and I totally agree. I’m always grateful for your support and hope you like the new book just as much as the others.
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Very well said and penned down!! Yes we all need our own targets.. maintain interest and motivate ourselves!
Great post ❤️
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Thank you very much 😊
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I enjoyed this, Stephen. I’m definitely not the same person I was….yesterday. I write weekly goals~short, but attainable. And my soul shifts with new changes. I pray that my shifts are those nudges from the voice I need to follow the most. As a soon-to-be self-publisher, my goals are definitely adaptable. I’ve been through so much in my almost 51 years. I’m not the wisest, but I’m definitely not the same. I’ve learned to roll with the changes and only concentrate on that which I can control~me. Keep up the wonderful work my friend!
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Thank you. 51 is a fine age indeed 😉
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Yay! I’ll be 51 in July. I like this time in my life.
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Me too 😊
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To get through each day until my grieving eases
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I hope you do.
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Goals and aspirations do change. I finally realize I would love to write poetry that’s good enough to be published. This is a new realization for me. I am 68 years old. We change with time! We keep on keeping on. Sometimes we just have to be.
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Good for you. Wishing you well with the poetry 😊
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thank you
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I’ve always been one that makes targets and track them. If I don’t place targets on my goals and aspirations I can easily get distracted and wander off. However, this has changed since I got married. I feel its not a good thing that I cannot set goals for myself and as a family as my spouse is not very goal oriented. this is has something left me quite helpless as I don’t want to be seen as a competitive individual whose always trying to achieve something or the other. However, I feel I am not where I should be due this and it at times can be very frustrating as this set up is very alien to me.
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That must be very frustrating for you. I hope you can come to a solution.
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Yes indeed a great personal struggle. I won’t give up until I find a solution for this. thank you for your kindness.
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It is hard for me to stay motivated.
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I get days like that as well.
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You’re doing good by the sounds of it. I am funnelling more of my time into useful things and reducing unnecessary procrastination!
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How is the book? Nearly finished?
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I’m onto the last chapter of this first edit! Thank you for asking. 😊 At least one more edit to go after that. And while reading some of it I actually think, “This could actually be pretty good!”
I keep putting one foot in front of the other, and have faith that even though I don’t know how I’ll publish it yet, when the time comes for that step I will figure it out.
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