Thursday, July 20, 2006
On the Value (and Limits) of Goal Setting
When you set a goal and then don't reach it, was it a mistake to set the goal?
I don't think so.
At the start of this year, one of my three fitness goals was to "slalom" water ski before the end of the year. After strength training from January to June, we went to Williams Lake last week with our son, Paul, and his wife, Heather. It was time to reach the goal. As the boat took off, I popped up out of the water and was on my skis. I was delighted (my workouts had paid off!). But the excitement was short lived. I lost my balance and fell awkwardly, hurting my lower back. There would be no chance that week to "drop a ski" and reach the goal. Disappointing.
What do I tell those who knew about my goal? Possibilities I have considered. The "old age" excuse? (At 53, don't try something this difficult.) The "there's still time" rationalization? (Six more weeks of summer to go!) The "blame game"? (It was the boat ... the waves ... the equipment ... the weather ... that's why I fell.) The "victim" syndrome? (In 2006, there seems to be a black cloud hovering over me.)
No. I'm going to be honest. I may not reach my goal this year. But having that goal has given me focus for losing some weight and increasing my strength. I have made great progress so far! I'm doing things I couldn't do one year ago and the improvement in both health and outlook are substantial. The goal was the motivating force that made all that possible.
And don't forget, there are still six weeks to go in the summer of 2006. Check back at this URL by Labour Day Weekend! It may still happen. GG
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