Do you take the time to design your goals?
The journey vs The destination
Hi there,
Throughout my life, I was constantly reminded to focus on achieving big goals: first it was my studies, then graduating university, securing stable job, earning a decent income, buy a house, building a family...
You know, what you put on your CV or brag about during your dinner parties.
Yet, life is more than just the results.
Grades, bonuses and incomes are good to have but at the end of the day, as soon as I achieve it, I immediately start striving for more.
Think back to your A-levels (in my case, the French Baccalaureate). Once you accomplished, did you want to pursue a Bachelor's degree and perhaps even a Master's? After landing your first job, did you want the promotion, aim to double or triple your income or even reach financial freedom? After meeting your partner, did you desire marriage, followed by having one child and then two...? Every time you complete something, do you find yourself already looking toward the next goal?
Yet, when I reflect on my career and my time as a student, I realise that it isn't so much about the numbers.
Ultimately, what I remember and cherish the most are not the end results, but the journey.
I vividly remember staying up late with friends studying until the last minute, working in the office overtime with my colleagues to submit proposals for the European Commission, going flat hunting for my first investment, and experiencing the butterflies when I first met my partner...
It was about tackling something exciting with others. I wouldn't have achieved any of these milestones otherwise.
Most importantly, I wouldn't have enjoyed the process without the right people and the right challenge.
Having said that, having the right destination is also important to be able to enjoy the journey.
A lot of my clients are struggling with the process itself. When they come to see me, they want to get be out of debt, build their first $100k, or retire ASAP!
While these are all worthwhile goals, the reason why they feel trapped or are unhappy with their life at the moment is due to their relationship with time.
In the world we are currently living where instant gratification has become the norm, we want everything RIGHT NOW!
"Most people overestimate what they can do in a year and underestimate what they can do in ten years" - Bill Gates
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During the COVID pandemic, I decided to move to Thailand and realign my personal, professional, and financial goals. While it would be nice to achieve financial freedom and check off all the boxes of my life goals, what I truly value is what I do on a daily basis without sacrificing my health and relationships.
Here are a few redefined goals that I strive for while enjoying every step of the journey:
Instead of simply moving to the next country, I focus on experiencing the local cultures, both the positive and negative aspects, and learning the local languages and customs.
Instead of just growing a six-figure business, I prioritise learning new coaching techniques, optimising personal finance management skills, and staying up to date with the latest studies in psychology and neuroscience.
Instead of solely guiding 100 coachees, I find fulfilment in witnessing their transformation, understanding what works or doesn't work with each individuals, helping people get out of debt, and empowering them to live a wealthier life.
Instead of just aiming to run a marathon by the end of the year, I concentrate on improving my tennis game, alternating heavy weightlifting with HIIT workouts, and doing a weekly trail run.
What about your journey? Are you appreciating the path you're currently on? What aspects do you enjoy the most? Are you eagerly waiting for it to be over so you can check off a box? Hit the reply button so I can read about your experiences.
Sophie