Goals

Goal: noun. – the result or achievement toward which effort is directed.

Goals are valuable tools to help individuals measure progress toward a greater achievement. Attaining a diploma, receiving the rank of Eagle Scout, Black Belt, or educational distinction are all good examples. Goals are most effective when created in succession, smaller goals achieved get us closer to a larger goal or objective. Most published lists of “Highly Successful People” include ‘goal oriented’ as a necessary trait. Goal setting is important in both personal and professional growth.

What we have to be guarded against is what kind of goal are we setting for ourselves. For instance, a goal to become a Black Belt is a common goal for most martial art students. I hear this from new students of all ages and encourage it as an overall objective. Just like with any goal, we need to be careful to understand what the goal entails or what we’re placing value upon. Is getting a Black Belt the goal or is it the knowledge, philosophy, and experience it represents? Is earning a college degree the goal or is it the mastery of the material learned along the way? A real goal isn’t a diploma (paper), or dark colored belt (cloth), or a pin (metal) on a Boy Scout’s sash – these are symbols. We must ask ourselves (and our students); “Is our goal symbolic or substantive?” Is it simply framed recognition of time spent or is it the culmination of lessons learned?

Successful people also have enthusiasm for the process. Our goals should not be focused on the symbolism of an achievement but on the substantive knowledge and experiences gained as we march toward an objective. Think of this next time you set a goal for yourself or assist students in goal-setting exercises. Is your goal substantive or symbolic? What is it you are really looking to achieve, learn, or experience?

My $.02

SUN!
Mr. Dragon