Have you ever noticed how vague we are about our goals and
long-term plans? We hear a lot of “someday” or “one day I’d like to …” And not only
are we vague about timelines, we are also pretty fuzzy about a desired outcome
as well, “I’d like to read more” or “I will lose some weight.” Read more than
what? Lose how much weight, six ounces or 20 pounds?
Whether it is intentional or not, being vague keeps us from
being accountable. Others cannot call us on what we said we are going to do
because “someday” has not yet arrived. More than that, we give ourselves too
much leash by not making a clear commitment in our own minds.
By not defining the “win” we feel like we can avoid the sting
of failure. But the opposite is also true, without risking failure, we cannot
ever experience true victory.
If you set deadlines and specific targets, yes, you risk
missing the mark and experiencing the pain of temporary failure. Telling
yourself or others “I plan to be the VP of our marketing department by the end
of 2021” sure puts you on the hook more than, “I’d like to promote someday.”
But it also gives you more clarity in what you are really going after. And just
as importantly, you are now accountable to that statement. You have skin in the
game.
Live with specific intent. However painful at times, it is
better to miss a clearly defined target while living intentionally than to
wander around in the haze of vague objectives.
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