Having decided to take the plunge and enter the 2012 Writing Challenge, I began thinking about the challenges we give ourselves. Challenges force you to dig in and, hopefully, make yourself better. And, I don't mean better for anyone else. I mean, feeding the you that no one sees but begs for improvement. I welcome this challenge because I've become lax in keeping this blog current, it's Spring and a time for new beginnings, and, it seemed only right to take the plunge.
But, why do we challenge ourselves? Is it really for personal achievement? To gain the approval of our peers? Or, for public recognition? I would like (I WANT) to think it has more to do with personal goals. [ASIDE: That's not me on the snowboard, by the way...]
From childhood, I have given myself five-year goals. I have achieved most of them; albeit, never by the direct approach. But, my subconscious knew the plan and was able to direct me towards where I thought I might like to be, or, at least, close enough to see my goal. Then, I could decide if I I really wanted to achieve it or change my course. Bear in mind, none of these goals were earth-shattering, like, curing bad breath or developing webwings for personal flight -- just your everyday curing cancer, creating world peace, fitting into last year's pantsuit, kind of goals. Point being, I had goals and was able to take advantage of any learning resources that came along because I already had a direction.
That said, life goes on and it's time to face the goals of old age. I seem to have relaxed in my sunset years and my challenges have become less monumental -- you know, running the 1K race, trying to eat with a new crown (molar, not monarch!), or, staying awake through the whole movie. (The Gentleman Caller and I have an agreement to nudge each other, should non-editorial snoring start!) A more immediate goal is to make it through this 2012 Challenge!
If I'm still alive at the end of April, I can do a recap. It's just that I don't make five-year goals, anymore. Don't want to tempt the Fates by presuming that I can still plan my life in five-year patterns. How do you approach challenges? Do you set goals or let life just happen?
For those of you who have just happened upon this page, I'm Entry #424 in a group of 1862 participants in this 2012 A-Z Writing Challenge! Do yourself a favor and check out a group of fantastic bloggers. You're bound to find someone you might like to follow. Don't forget to leave some loving comments and spread the word. It coud even inspire you to think about joining next year's Challenge, yourself!
A-Z is definitely a challenge for which I was better prepared this year but the challenge to me is getting round so many blogs.
ReplyDeleteWhy do we set ourselves challenges? Simple - life would be boring without them.
You're 100% right. Can't imagine just wakin' up and waiting for life to happen, to me. (Although, it most certainly does!)
DeleteI really like that you've always given yourself five-year goals. I always have general ideas of things I'd like to happen, but I need to be better about setting concrete goals and challenging myself to achieve them.
ReplyDeleteBest of luck with the challenge,
Jocelyn
Thanks, on the luck! Even though my goals were in five-year patterns, I think knowing what I wanted to achieve help make the right decisions along the way – but I gave myself plenty of room to check out the untraveled path, as well.
DeleteFor the past six years, I've used NaNoWriMo to challenge myself with my writing. I don't do it to write a "quick book." I do it to make me step out of my daily writing habits and tackle things that are new to me. I've done everything from forcing myself to write sappy drivel to writing with an outline to writing in the first person, to time travel and sci-fi. Fun stuff!
ReplyDeleteI am considering your idea of five year goals... hmmm
Thanks for stopping by at chautona.com. That's how I found you!
All, you have so much more courage than I! NaNoWriMo has been on my back burner for so long, it may have to be my obituary. As promised myself I will attempt it – in the next five years! Thanks for stopping by, too.
DeleteI set goals, but don't have much of a plan for said goals, which would be daunting to some. I find I work better that way, even though I freak out a little.
ReplyDeleteSee you at D. :)
Yeah, that's what I'm talking about, setting goals but using a pencil instead of ballpoint. Didn't want to curtail any possible options.
DeleteI set goals and challenges for myself but until this year was never very serious about them. Why it's taken me 34 years to get on track, I really don't know. But this year is already going well. Good luck on your challenges/goals!
ReplyDeleteI'm not so sure that being serious about the goals and challenges is that important, once you've told your subconscious what you're looking for in the future. Unless, of course, that future requires intense study. Good luck on your current goals.
DeleteI really like this post. I have met most of my goals in my life as well, even if they took some weird detours.
ReplyDeleteNow, with declining health, they have become smaller, but I am still keeping at it.
thanks for stopping by my blog,
Alex
Yeah, Alex, I have found that my goals have become much smaller as I have gotten older. Just 10 years ago, I would've been a partying fool but, now, I just think why bother, when I really want to just go to bed.
DeleteI encourage goal setting. I don't necessarily write them down or set a timeframe to them. I just know where I want to go in life and I do things to get me where I'm going. :) however, sometimes I do get a little lazy about small goals... Like taking on a 5K walk! lol! I need to get that done. Happy A to Z!
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean, MiChelle, and I kept mental notes of my goals when I was much younger. Now, if I put anything in a safe place, it's gone. Might as well write my journey goals on the bottom of my shoes.
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