Day 294: Achieving Goals

Achieving goals is a fine balance between group effort and solitary effort.

As I have watched my son this week struggle to learn to ride his bike, I see how all the help and support I give him does not actually get him to his goal. For him to reach the goal of a bike rider, he must put in the hard work. He must over come fears and failures. He must keeping pushing himself until he achieves his goal. I am merely the coach/cheerleader who helps, gives advice and tries to cheer him on.

My job is important, but it can not replace his hard work. On the other hand, when the goal is first realized - like today when my son rode, by himself, a good bit of distance, he needed me (and his sisters) to cheer, clap, holler and celebrate his success. If he had looked around and nobody had noticed or acknowledged his accomplishment....would he have felt the same or been willing to continue the hard work? (he still can't start himself off or steer.)

I think, getting healthy or staying patient or any other goal you have for yourself, is the same as my son learning how to ride a bike. For me to get healthy: go to bed on time, eat lots of fruits & veggies, walk daily, and etc. means I have to buckle down and do the hard work. I have to keep trying even when it is hard. Yet, during this journey to reach my goal, I need to be surrounded by people who can cheer me on, encourage me, share with me their knowledge and most importantly, when I finally reach my goal they need to cheer, clap and celebrate with me.

I have written before that I sometimes quiet after getting a compliment. I see now, that the compliment is like my words of encouragement to my son - it is not a reason to stop where I am at, but a reason to keep trying.

Just like my son, I can do hard things and will succeed in the end.

Happy Walking!