We all know goals can be a powerful thing. Especially lofty, noble goals where we seek to better ourselves and others through action. But what happens when our attachment to our goals is so strong that we treat the present as a stepping stone to get to the future?
Are your goals exciting you to work towards a better future, yet still allowing you to enjoy the present? Or are they controlling your present state of being?
Recently, I've been noticing how my goals have a way of controlling the present moment, especially when they become the sole focus of my life.
Of course, there's nothing inherently bad about goals. We're allowed to play in the world. It's just a matter of keeping them in check.
If you find your goals creeping in and destroying your ability to enjoy the present moment, perhaps it's time to rethink your relationship to the goals.
Notice how I didn't say rethink your goals. Why should you do that? Who am I to tell you to rethink what you want in life? That's none of my business.
But I am here to tell you, based on personal experience, that perhaps your attachment to the goal is interfering with your ability to find joy right now.
If this is the case, start to watch this take place within you. Start to notice how your need for an outcome in the future makes you fearful, or frustrated, because you don't have it now.
Your attachment to your goals can become especially clear when things go wrong and don't line up to the goal.
For example, let's say you aim to buy a house next year. Obviously, you need a decent amount of money to put down for the purchase. If you lose your job today, not only will that be difficult in and of itself, but combine that with the fact that you were counting on the job to pay for the house. Now you're twice as upset.
All because of your attachment to the goal.
Remember, there's nothing wrong with having a goal. Please don't get confused!
All I'm here to ask you is, what is your relationship to the goal? How attached are you? Is your need for a desired outcome taking way your ability to enjoy what's here right now?
If so, perhaps it's time to reacquaint yourself with your goal, and start anew on a healthy foot.
Live with substance!
Gabe Orlowitz
