I’m reading a lot right now about the necessity to define a clear goal, desire or purpose. If you don’t know what you want, it’s a lot harder to get it.
We have a used bookstore in our town that is our favorite. We enjoy taking books in to trade and picking out new ones.
The last two trips I’ve made into that store were night and day experiences. One trip I went in aimlessly searching. I left with a headache. I knew I wanted something, but I couldn’t for the life of me decide what. I was overwhelmed by book after book after book of stories and insights. How could I ever pick the right one? How could I ever read enough to satisfy this insatiable want within me?
The next trip I went in I had a list of books I was wanting to read. Within minutes I found the right shelf, narrowed my choices down to an affordable 5 books and made my purchase, feeling fulfilled and excited for the learning that lay ahead of me.
Same bookstore, different perspective.
I’m working right now on narrowing down the big desires I have for my life, selecting the targets for which I want to aim. I’m trying to put it into a well-worded sentence that I can focus on and memorize. I want it to be clear, concise and bigger than myself. I want to know that I am living my life successfully, but by my own definition of success. It sure beats wandering aimlessly through aisle after aisle of books, feeling overwhelmed and leaving empty-handed.
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
What a perfect post for today. My family had a long car ride yesterday, and my 7yo talked nonstop the entire way. He was telling stories, describing his dreams for the future, asking questions, etc. But then he said, “Mama, what is your biggest dream? If you could be anything, what would it be?” Silence. I thought for a bit and realized I had no answer. It sort of sent me into a panic inside when I realized I don’t even know what I want for myself. No wonder I find no satisfaction in anything, I’ve quit dreaming and I have no goal to work toward. I already knew I need to fix that and make it a priority. You’ve just reinforced it.
That’s an awesome realization Anya. Thank goodness for little kids in our life who unknowingly ask us the hard questions we need to be asking ourselves. Praying for you to be able to start dreaming for yourself again!
How to Win Friends and Influence People is rad. I wish you well with your endeavor.
Have you read it?!