The compass: How clearly set goals can help one achieve success

Purpose is the driving force behind everything we do and everything we strive for. It is the reason we exist and the reason we seek success.

EVERY entity existing in this world has a purpose, whether we recognise it as significant or not.

Purpose is the driving force behind everything we do and everything we strive for. It is the reason we exist and the reason we seek success. With a clear purpose, we can achieve our full potential and make a meaningful impact on our lives and those around us.

A hungry person prepares a meal with the intention of nourishing themselves, while the invention of motor vehicles was aimed at easing transportation between places. Similarly, every human being is born with a purpose, and there are no mistakes in creating human life. As per the words of Myles Munroe, graveyards are the richest places since they hold unfulfilled potential and buried dreams. This article will discuss a few methods one can adopt to embark on a journey of fulfilling their purpose.

Our present thoughts and experiences are a direct result of the ideas we entertained in the past. Similarly, our future will be shaped by the ideas we cultivate today and the actions we choose to take. Many are unaware of their true purpose. It’s essential to take a moment to reflect on what you truly want to achieve in life, your personal definition of success. Understanding the “why”behind your existence is a powerful tool in aligning with your purpose.

Upon discovering one’s purpose, it is necessary to set clear goals. When progress indicators accompany these goals, one can monitor the rate of progress they make and it can help them in achieving their goals. When planning goals, it is important to have both long-term and short-term goals. Short-term goals help to keep one motivated as they can mark their progress in the form of these small wins which with time will accumulate to the overall end goal.

When navigating the path to fulfil one’s purpose, it is important to be mindful of the people they associate with. Constructive criticism can be helpful if taken positively. It enables individuals to work on their weaknesses and improve their performance. However, some people may criticise without offering anything constructive. It's essential to differentiate between these two groups of people and to ignore the naysayers. Not everyone can see the vision behind one’s purpose and staying focused on the end goal is best.

Books offer a wealth of information and one should read often. They offer insight into various topics, from how to fry an egg to the science behind how rockets work. Devoting time to reading informative literature is never a waste of time. It is also important to engage and be open to learning from people who are more advanced than us in whatever field we wish to pursue. We can learn from their successes and failures and gain knowledge that otherwise may have taken us decades to obtain. This also helps us to avoid repeating the mistakes they made.

It is important to scrutinise the opportunities presented to us carefully. Where most opportunities will help to propel us towards success, we should be aware of the Trojan horse. In this context, a Trojan horse is any opportunity that may initially seem beneficial but, in the end, diverts us from the path of achieving our goal, whatever it may be. A day will never have more than 24 hours. One needs to plan their days accordingly so they can maximise the use of the time they have and be as productive as they possibly can.

 Finally, failure does not equal defeat. A war is a can consisting of many battles some of which are won, and others lost; one should use this approach as they venture into their cause. Having failed at something does not make one a failure. One only truly fails when one quits and instead one  should use their failed attempts as learning blocks to navigate the way forward. It’s important for one to separate who they are from their experiences. Albert Einstein did not speak until he was four and did not read until he was seven. He initially faced difficulty in finding employment. Today Einstein is considered to be one of the greatest scientists to ever live, and over 2000 books have been written about him.

Everyone has a purpose, a reason for being. It is one’s responsibility to discover this reason and act upon it. Although it may seem daunting, our success is within our ability to create. With a clear purpose we can live the lives we dream for ourselves. Take a moment to reflect on your purpose.

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