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!
