When it comes to achieving goals, and growing and developing, many people will ask themselves, why?
What’s your why? It’s an important question. And, it is a necessary one. For many people it is the fuel that keeps the pursuit alive.
People will ask:
Why do I want to succeed?
Why am I putting in all of this hard work?
Why do I want to make all of the money?
Why do I want to create this lifestyle?
Why?
Your why is extremely powerful towards your life and the actions you take.
What about the “how” in our life?
The “How,” in the term I’m using here, is short for “how we are being?”
How we are being is very important, and almost always over looked by most people. Sometimes we are overly consumed with our why. And when this happens, we are living in the future and missing out on the present moment. Are we leaving just for a means to an end? What end will fully satisfy us?
I’ve been caught in this trap at times, and it goes like this: I want something, or striving for something and I’m not there. There is a gap. When I’m living in the gap, I’m not happy. I’m frustrated that I’m not where I want to be. That’s the definition of what I like to call “gap insanity.” When I feel my self in a moment of “gap insanity,” I now reflect and take a step back.
I try to create clarity and simplicity. And just be, here, now.
Now, I’m not condemning goals achievement here, if fact I 100% encourage it, as well as live it everyday. But I am questioning how we do this. We need to be aware of the HOW and purse goals with the HOW in mind.
How are you being as you pursue your goals and your why? Are you stressed about not being at a certain point in your life? Are you sacrificing the present moment, in order to obtain your perfect future?
It’s something to think about.
“Do what you have to do. In the mean time, accept what is.” – Eckhart Tolle
Acceptance is an important word.
Do what is necessary in order to improve your life. That is growth, and that is what life is about. Grow, become better, achieve goals and do great things.
And then I’ll repeat what Eckhart said – in the mean time, accept what is, fully and whole-heartedly in your life.
This is easier said than done, but if you can do this – have a level of acceptance – you will be content as you pursue your dreams and improve your life.
I like to word it as being “contently discontented.”
When you do this, life will start to flow in your favor and you will see things come into your life that will help you achieve your why and goals quicker.
Because of “HOW” you are doing it.
When you focus on the present moment; the how you are being and how work, you will pursue your goals with a sense of ease, grace, and enjoyment.
If you don’t feel this – and you are frustrated – you are not present. You are in the future. You may dealing with “gap insanity.” And that’s not a fun place to be when you’re in the present and want to be in the future.
Accept what is, and then build the necessary blocks to grow.
Be “contently discontented.”
Remember the HOW, as you pursue your WHY.
Joseph Metcalfe
Good stuff Joe! Thanks
Thanks for reading Scott!
Excellent piece!
Thanks Louis!