Why you need to set big, scary goals

I used to live in this crappy apartment in a dilapidated building on Maclaren and Cartier in Ottawa. Picture one room which tripled as a bedroom, dining room and kitchen. Cosy, no?  At the time, I was in my final year of my journalism program. I was working part-time at Druxy’s Deli and I could barely afford to buy chickpeas and bus tickets. 

But despite my bleak outlook, I was very focused and determined. I knew that this bump in the road was only temporary. Every week I would write down my weekly goals and stick them on my fridge. Some were ridiculous while others were downright awesome. I would read them when I got up in the morning, and before I went to bed at night. 

Last week I was in Ottawa to attend a funeral of dear friend. I ran by my old haunts including the old apartment building on Maclaren. For a few minutes, I stopped and stared at the building. The old dump hasn’t changed much in 15+ years. As I continued to run, I thought about those days when I was hungry – hungry for making a difference, adventure, success (and yes, some days for chickpeas). A fire was lit under my butt and there was no holding me back. 

It was both exhilarating and scary. 

As the days start to wind down for 2017, I am thinking about my plans and goals for 2018. No not resolutions, actual goals. Over the last few years, I admit I have become too comfortable with my humdrum status quo of just living. I don’t know when it happened but I stopped reaching for the stars and became satisfied with the clouds. Is this what it means when you’re an adult? I sincerely hope not. 

This much is true – I have set a couple of goals that scare the hell out of me for 2018. And I am scared as heck. 

We should all set BIG, SCARY goals that get our blood pumping.

When was the last time your goals scared you? If you can’t remember then perhaps you are not reaching for the stars either. 

I set goals because it helps me believe in myself and to take control of my life. I tend to spin out of control easily and leave a path of self-destruction or self-sabotage. But I learned early in life you are your own biggest cheerleader as the saying goes. Believe in yourself, and you can make anything happen. 

So what are your BIG, SCARY GOALS?

*****

“I am a human being, not a human doing. Don’t equate your self-worth with how well you do things in life. You aren’t what you do. If you are what you do, then when you don’t…you aren’t.” ~ Dr. Wayne Dyer