The very first step is to do a reality check, which most people don’t do. D’Cruz asserts that people with purposeful goals struggle because they don’t do a reality check. “When I say reality, you need to know where you are now, what’s your current position—it could be financial, relationship or it could be anything. You need to map out your current situation, it will give you a very clear, planned approach to the larger goal that you are set to achieve. When I realise my current situation, I will start making changes in my lifestyle to fit that goal. I am going to be smart, hardworking and find ways to work towards my larger goal.” Instead of planning the future bigger purpose, it’s more crucial to fix the existing issue and then move ahead towards the goal. Pause your future planning thoughts and concentrate on the present. Identify the existing issue and start fixing it, which makes the path towards reaching the big goal easier and more streamlined.
Time can be a huge challenge if not managed effectively. Staying focused on a long-term goal can be close to impossible with improper time management. There’s no rule book to manage time, however, it depends on how a person wants to split his daily activities and work towards his goal in life. Time management can sometimes require a person to sacrifice small things or happy times, to focus on what’s necessary. It’s a part of one’s life journey towards larger goals.
There are very few people like Preeti who are as self-motivated, driven and focussed in the pursuit of their life goals. They don’t need any external stimulus. But, one of the most common challenges towards achieving larger goals is the lack of motivation in the long run. Meaningful goals can be as long as one’s lifetime, hence motivation is the key. How does one remain motivated for that long, even when the goal is set? One of the easiest ways is to jot down some inspirational quotes on a paper and fix them on the wall. Whenever you pass it by, the written pointers will remind you of your goal and inspire you to keep moving towards it.
The key is never to lose hope, even when the road is strewn with obstacles, for no challenge is insurmountable. All it requires is a conditioning of the mind, a strong determination, a positive and optimistic outlook to reach your goal and be victorious. A single-minded focus can drive you to achieve the impossible, turn you from an ordinary to an extraordinary being.
With inputs from Nabanita Maji