Elevate your Goals

Goals give direction but they also become limiting to the path. A paradoxical necessity that becomes an obstacle in time in realizing the actualization of the initial intention or goal. We need evolving goals. Something fixed that helps us navigate in a direction yet one that simultaneously becomes the next step of the path within its completion, as such we elevate opposed to circumnavigating the same level of development that the initial goal inspired.

For example, a physical health goal is a valuable pursuit for improving many areas of life at one time. Mental, emotional, relational and even spiritual health can improve by focusing on improving one’s physical health. The initial goal could be to lose 10 pounds. Upon its completion it would be beneficial to reflect on what was learned in the journey of that process of arriving at losing 10 pounds and launch a new goal that is inspired in the direction of the next level of what may be wanted to be experienced.  Maybe it is to run a 5k. In running the 5k there could be the realization that flexibility is a concern and then there is the interest to practicing yoga consistently. When practicing yoga consistently there becomes the desire to become a yoga instructor and so that skill set is accomplished. So on and so forth, someone could begin with a simple health goal of losing 10 pounds and end up becoming a health professional.

 This is through the elevation of goals that correspond naturally to achievement of the previous level of goal development. A sequence, like a growing chain of experience that unfolds naturally. The goals give direction yet dissolve immediately upon their arrival, reflection should be then considered to work towards a higher goal relative to that development.

This whole line of reasoning is to bring up the following point, many times goals start out as a motivational force for positive change, but if we do not elevate our goals as we ourselves change, than the goals themselves become limitations and develop a circulation of being stuck in a way of life.

Imagine your goal is to lose those 10 pounds, then the next goal is another 10 pounds. Then it is maintaining that weight across time, then there is a worry about gaining a pound. Then there is a loss of passion for exercise because the feeling of reward has faded. So then there becomes dissonance of not exercising due to the lack of passion, and the need to maintain this goals achievement. The letting go of the goal in a more favorable one is a better way.

So if you feel burnt out in your pursuit of a goal, perhaps it is an old passion, a higher path is awaiting you, elevate your goals and never stop climbing the next mountain.