Don’t forget to enjoy the journey!
It’s January. A new year. And with the start of a new year many of us are inspired to set resolutions or goals that can range from weight loss and exercise, to relationships, to financial health and success. There might be various strategies (join a gym!) and milestones to check-in on progress throughout the year but the end is always our point of focus.
But how often do we actually think about enjoying the path to achieve insert goal here? Let me share a personal story to illustrate my question and point.
Last year I decided I wanted to walk/run a 5K. It was kind of a big deal since I was starting at ground zero, and I could barely run one mile. After setting the goal, I dutifully read all the training blogs and magazines I could get my hands on, mapped out a weekly and monthly plan, and immediately started beating myself up for setting an overly ambitious, unenjoyable goal.
Fast forward a few months, when I shared my misery with a good friend who also happens to be a wellness coach. After giving me space to vent she simply asked, “Why exectly did you set this particular goal?” Robotically, I provided all the “right” answers: For my health, to lose weight, etc. She chuckled and asked her question differently: “Why was this particular goal important to YOU?”
Good question. In short, I wanted to feel a sense of community and belonging in the middle of an isolating pandemic. A reason to get my heart pumping and get outside. A time to clear my head. Come to think of it, the 5K was simply the end product. My negative self talk was focused on the wrong thing. When my lens shifted, the goal suddenly became achievable and…dare I say…fun?
Talk about a lightbulb moment. I had forgotten to have fun!
While I strongly believe in the importance of goal setting, I absolutely recognize the necessity of setting intentions with those goals. Setting intentions gives us a sense of direction, attainability, and sustainability. And they help remind us to enjoy the journey!
