Posted by
Jimmy Carter on Sunday, April 08, 2007 3:09:16 PM
"Where are you going?"
This question appears simple, but your answer has a significant impact on your life.
You grab your keys, turn toward the door and someone asks, "Where are you going?" You answer,"I'm going to the store for milk."
Take a moment to ponder everything in that reply: a desire for a specific goal, a clear vision of a specific goal, means for achieving a specific goal, and an undeniable faith in your ability to achieve that goal.
Suppose that someone were to list every conceivable obstacle you would have to overcome in order for you to achieve that goal. Would you stop your pursuit if someone pointed out every piece of furniture that is between you and the door? Would you stop your pursuit if someone told you how difficult it would be to open the door and would you begin to doubt your ability to open the door? Would you stop if someone mentioned the odds of being struck by lightening if you were to go outside? Would a warning of criminals stop you? A fire? You haven't even reached the car yet!
Let Us go a little further for a little longer.
"Where are you going?" You answer,"To work." You may become more conscious of the variables for which to prepare, but you state it with the same determination as you do the first. What is the weather condition: do you take a coat, umbrella, wear sleeves? Is there a sufficient amount of fuel in the car? Are there any traffic hazards to avoid?
On your way to work, have you ever arrived at a traffic signal and told yourself,"I'm never going to make it?" Has there ever been a traffic accident in your regular route to work and you used it as a reason to turn around and go home or did you use an alternate route? Have you ever had a flat tire and abandoned all hope of ever working again? Do you make it to work by avoiding every single alternative that lies between home and work or did you set out with a specific destination in mind? Do you drive to work looking only in the rear-view mirror admiring where you have been?
Let Us go a little further for a little longer.
You decide to vacation in Fiji for a week. You may begin to prepare six months in advance, or maybe even a year. You plan to save a certain amount of dollars for the trip. You plan a list of activities you would like to experience and events to attend. You may begin to dream of where you will be staying and the clothing you will be buying and packing. You may even share your plans with many people because you are excited with anticipation of sun, ocean, and Mai-tais in a place you may have never been but want to.
If you want a million dollars in your bank account: Do you listen and agree with those who point out every conceivable obstacle in your way? Do you make one attempt and quit and seek no alternative routes? Do you dream of where you would be staying and share that excitement of anticipation of being in a place you may have never been but want to?
General observations: When someone identifies an "obstacle" on someone else's journey, that someone is identifying the "obstacle" they would use as an excuse for failure if they were pursuing the same goal. There are an infinite number of paths to a single destination, some unpaved. It's a lot more productive (and fun) to dream of where you are going than remaining fixed on the past.
When I state ,"I'm going to the store for milk," I say it with such conviction that "someone" usually asks to ride along and for me to achieve something for them, like eggs.
So, when someone asks you, "Where are you going?" reply with every once of surety as the sun rises in the east. If anyone has any doubt of you achieving it, with the same amount determination tell them where they can go!