But what happens when things don't go as planned? What happens when we just don't make it?
Successful people don't reach all their goals. In fact, they miss more than they make.
The fear of missing the mark is one of the reasons we don't set some goals in the first place. We don't want to fall short and we don't want anyone to know we didn't make it. We don't want to FAIL.
I'd like to share some thoughts about a goal I didn't reach.
My goal at the beginning of the year was to lose 32 pounds by May 21st. I lost only 14.
There are many other goals over the past few months that WERE met--and even exceeded--but this one was one of the most important. It was also one over which I had the greatest control. It is me and me alone who determines what goes into my mouth and how often and how much I exercise.
It was a doable and believable goal. I had a target date. I had a workable plan and it was a worthy goal.
So what happened?
There were a number of factors that contributed to coming up short, and I'm still evaluating them.
The important thing to realize, however, is that I didn't actually fail. What happened was I missed my target date.
Am I discouraged? A little. Am I disappointed? Yes.
But I can't change what is. I have to survey the results, the LACK of results and look closely at my plan and how I'll improve upon it.
Am I still committed to it? Yes, indeed. Am I resetting a target date? You bet.
And that's what's important--not giving up.
Until I realized that I had missed the target date instead of failed in the process of achieving my goal, I WAS discouraged. I was focusing on failure instead of the progress I'd made.
The truth is, I'm stronger and healthier now than I was in January. Losing 14 pounds isn't bad. It's not great, but it's better than being where I was--or worse--GAINING weight.
If I can burn 14 pounds of fat in 18 weeks, I can do at least as well over the next 18 weeks--probably better. Beating myself up for not reaching my goal has no payoff. It can't help.
I get letters all the time from people disheartened because they're not making the progress they think they should. They're discouraged because they didn't succeed. The truth is, achieving big goals is rarely easy.
What IS easy is to focus on our shortfalls. It's easy to talk to ourselves in negative, counterproductive language: "I'll never make it." "I just can't get it right." "Why don't I ever win."
Perhaps we're deceived by stories of "overnight" successes. We don't see the setbacks and obstacles that were part of the success. But perseverance almost always wins out. I'm reminded that an oak tree is just a little nut that held its ground.
If it were easy, we wouldn't have the satisfaction that comes with the winning. If we didn't have to change in order to reach the goal, we wouldn't grow. The pain of discipline is only temporary. The glory of achievement lasts much longer.
I'm going to hang in there. I'm going to start over. And I'm going to do it.
How about you? Do you let the fear of "failure" keep you from setting big goals? Will you keep on keeping on? What goal do you have that needs a recommitment? What will you overcome in order to achieve it? How are you willing to change?
In addition, our young people, and I'm talking about our sons and daughters, face continual hardship when their acne is really bad.
Depending on how well a child has been nurtured and prepared by their parents, even a mild case of acne can bring a surprising reaction from the child.
Acne is the most diagnosed skin disorder in the United States. Let no one kid you, we are dealing with a monster here. It is a serious problem and we should treat it as such.
Our primary approach to curing ourselves of acne must come from the area of our diet. Did you know that prior to 1950, Canadian Eskimos, up to that point in their history, never had acne?
Is that startling? Well how about this? When so called 'modern food' was introduced into their diet, along came acne. I didn't say that all efforts should be focused toward the diet. I said that our primary approach should come from the area of our diet.
Acne And Pimples
Blackheads, whiteheads, pustules, infected sacs and cysts. We've been told countless times about the sebaceous or oil glands and how they get clogged. Then bacteria multiply, and along comes inflammation.
Did you know that some people, a very few though, have acne all their lives? How bad is that? In spite of all that, there is hope! Acne comes because of the things you do, and the things you don't do. Let me explain that.
When you eat too much meat, eggs, denatured flour, and white sugar, something inside of your body has to go awry.
On the other hand, when you do not eat the more wholesome foods like fresh vegetables, whole grains and fruits, the body doesn't get enough of the foods that it does need.
How often do you get a bath? So you take good care of your outer body. How often do you bathe your inner body? What am I talking about? No one can wash and bathe the inner body? I beg to differ.
When was the last time that you ate an apple? An apple washes and scrubs the inner body just like Mr. Clean does on the commercial. The old clich? that an apple a day keeps the doctor away may be time-worn, but it's true.
The action of an apple working on the inside of the body is truly amazing. Eat plenty of fruits. They wash, bathe and cleanse the inside of the body. The more natural the fruit is, the better it is for you.
Only eat store bought canned fruits when you absolutely cannot get fresh fruit. Always wash your fruit before eating, and soak dried fruit, prunes and apricots.
Both Karen Scharf & Wy Williams are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Karen Scharf has sinced written about articles on various topics from Strategic Planning, Computers and The Internet and Marketing. Karen Scharf is a member of SuccessNet.org, an on-line community dedicated to helping you become your personal and professional best. You can download the FREE eBook How To Stay Motivated at. Karen Scharf's top article generates over 18100 views. to your Favourites.
Wy Williams has sinced written about articles on various topics from Site promotion, Family Concerns and Acne Treatment. Acne and pimples have certainly taken their toll on Wy Williams daughter and son. He has worked diligently to rid them of the acne scourge. The battle isn't over yet. As soon as they let their guard down, guess what happens? How about you? Still strugglin. Wy Williams's top article generates over 33100 views. to your Favourites.