Karla’s Korner: Growing Through Goals

Growing Through Goals

Sitting across the bright yellow table from a precious blonde four year old I yawned and immediately the little girl exclaimed “Ms. Karla, you’re growing…mommy says when you yawn you’re growing!” Quickly I answered, “Oh goodness I hope not, I’m already grown”. Quite often the little people in my world will have discussions about what they want to “be” when they grow up or find themselves picking what or who they want to “be” during free play. “I’ll be the mommy, you be the daddy and you be the little kid” one will say. Watching the littles make believe they are grown-ups is quite endearing. I often want to tell them to slow down and not rush it because being the grown up is nothing like their make believe game.

Scanning through a virtual mountain of quotes on goals recently one in particular stuck out as it relates goal setting and growth and the relationship between the two: An unknown author is quoted saying “Set a goal so big that you can’t achieve it until you grow into the person who can.” What does that mean? Should we not set goals for ourselves? Should we not plan big for our future? Should we settle for mediocre so that we can achieve it easily, without struggle? No. What it means I believe is that in order to achieve those lofty goals, we must change and grow to meet or match the goals we have for ourselves. The idea that we can meet and achieve specific goals without changing ourselves is not logical as nothing in life stands still or stays the same. From the moment we are born our physical bodies grow and change; so should our inner selves, the spirit within us.

The idea that we can achieve a particular goal we set for ourselves without learning, growing and developing our inner spirit is nothing more than an illusion. For example, as the new year rolled around many found themselves proclaiming resolutions of weight loss, financial gain or some other goal that seemed attainable; easy to achieve. New gym memberships soar in late December and early January only to be forgotten by a large number of people by the end of the first month. Those vowing to save money, land a new more profitable job, obtain a promotion or some other life improvement have two choices: change and grow to meet the requirements of the desired goals or give up and stay the same as they are. Choosing to grow is a daunting task, one that requires constant dedication and work. Much like the farmer who has to chafe the wheat to get the good stuff we must work toward achieving our goals; the good stuff.

What are the goals you set for yourself for the New Year? What is it that you need to do in order to meet those goals? My guess is that whatever the goal there will be work and growth involved. Life is anything but easy and requires focus, dedication and lots of work which builds character and encourages all areas of growth, however it is our own responsibility to do the work. It is necessary I believe to surround ourselves with a network of people who encourages, supports and acts as accountability partners as we learn and grow. While it is our responsibility to learn and grow we cannot “do” life alone, meaning we need others to walk our life journey with us, alongside us and not for us; it’s about finding and keeping our lives balanced.

As you begin the New Year I encourage you to set goals, lofty goals that require you to work hard, stay focused, grow and be the best you can be. When speaking of growth and goals, American author, salesman and motivational speaker Zig Ziglar once said “You were designed for accomplishment, engineered for success, and endowed with the seeds of greatness. “ Set your goals. Stay focused. Work hard. Grow from the seeds of greatness into your best self yet.

Peace,
Karla

I think we all need a touch point a place we can go to be inspired. Karla is my children’s teacher, a good friend, and a person with a heart of gold. I hope that her words will inspire you to do more. We are only as good as the people we surround ourselves with. It is important to listen with your heart and proceed with your eyes open. Enjoy!

Read more Karla’s Korner, also please visit Karla’s Lifetime Moms page and read her articles.

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