Growing and not “goaling”

Friday, 6th July 2024 — Ever wondered why some people seem to be on a never-ending journey of self-improvement while others just tick off goals and move on? Today, I want to dive into this fascinating difference and share some insights from my own experiences.

It’s a beautiful day, and today I would like to share a highlight from my day, which is about growing and not “goaling.” This is about pursuing growth rather than merely pursuing goals. There’s a clear difference between growth and goals. Often, we live our lives chasing goals, and once a goal is achieved, it feels like that’s it—we’re done. However, my life hasn’t been framed that way, and I haven’t learned to live life like that.

As a result, it seems that things continually happen; there’s always something to do. It’s like a process. That’s why my wife often asks why my work never seems to finish, why I don’t have an end of the day. I’m trying to have a timeframe where I stop pursuing that process because I’m constantly learning and improving. While goals are being achieved, I am growing. So, it’s important to incorporate this perspective into life.

Let’s talk about today, Friday. I have had a good day because I successfully submitted the application I wanted to submit this week. It was a bit of work. I prepared for it, but when I got onto the system, I realised there were more questions that required another day of drafting responses. It’s still a process. If I saw this as just a goal and rushed through it without proper preparation, I might have provided quick, unsuitable answers. Instead, I need to provide bespoke, tailored responses and have one or two people review them to ensure they match expectations.

So, I see this as a process. Applying for jobs isn’t just a goal. You need to follow a strategy, a plan, ticking the boxes of the job description, requirements, and expectations to convince employers. This might be why some applications fail early on. I’m happy I navigated that process and submitted it. In between, I took a couple of breaks to care for my back and relax. I watched a movie called Role Play.

Role Play is a fascinating action movie. I learned that sometimes we think we know people, but we really don’t. In marriage, even if you discover things your partner never told you before, you have to live with them. The husband, played by David Oyelowo as Mr. Brackett, handled the situation well. Despite not knowing his wife’s secrets, he supported her. It’s an action-packed, intelligent movie about a Mrs Brackett who live a covert assassin’s life. It’s worth watching.

Marriage, like life, is a process. It’s not just a goal to be married but a continuous journey of growth. You bring individual problems into the marriage and must solve them together to have a happy life. Marriage unites two halves into one, and you grow into it.

So, remember these three things:

1. Pursue growth, not just goals.

2. The application process requires thorough preparation.

3. Marriage is a continuous process of growing together.

Let me know what you’ve learned from this journal and how it relates to your experiences. Pursuing growth will help you achieve more than just chasing goals. Have a beautiful weekend, and share your thoughts with me.