We may have different definitions of the things that can make us happy and successful. But similar actions need to be taken. Aim for those goals. The required discipline includes a willingness, drive, and conscious effort to strive to gain what we want in life. Every person who aims for such goals must take control of body, mind. feelings/emotions otherwise known as the heart, as well as a God-given spirit.
Be willing to set a time to think carefully. Define capabilities, limitations, preferences in life, and a clear understanding why you want some things. Also find time to plan, implement, evaluate then re-evaluate results of implementation. Improve. Keep improving. Nobody ever started with a perfect plan or with complete capabilities. Nobody implemented one and instantly reached the goal. Motivators will keep reminding those truly interested to persevere, persist. Don't give up. Should you change plans, let it be towards a much better alternative. We are supposed to move forward steadily or decisively change course if necessary.
Is change a sign of bad news ? Like it or not, the whole world is changing. Technology has been advancing over the years. Are you in line with the trend of the times ? Consider this thought. Will you be content with being left behind by a changing environment ?
Let us be more concrete. If a person is a carpenter by profession, and Power Tools are now available for higher quality in cutting wood, aside from faster completion of a project, he will need to invest on acquiring those tools in order to be more competitive. He will have to train himself by practicing with those Power Tools. Naturally, it is either there is available means for such an investment, or he should start saving little by little for the purpose of improving in that direction. We will now realize another similar pattern. In order to be able to invest, we have to find a way to save a part of the earnings. Live within means. Sacrifice unnecessary costs. For a lot of people, this could simply involve giving up cigarettes or other vices. The rising cost of gasoline is telling people all over the world to cut those unnecessary traveling expenses or find a way to overcome the problem in order to survive and still progress.
Live one day at a time. Break the monotony in order not to forget the difference between what is important and what is not. Overcome stress. Stay healthy. It is like stretching muscles once in a while to feel better or remain comfortable with ongoing pursuit of plans.
Although far from achievement of goals, for as long as there is that knowledge or awareness of being on track, a sense of fulfilment can be felt.
Still not satisfied ? Find ways and means to become better, become more capable, become healthier. Exert more effort if you can. Regrets happen in the latter parts of life when plans begin to crumble and dreams break apart. Analysis of the situation is part of the reasons why things simply fail to work out and end up in frustrations. Therefore, be careful. Don't set a goal that is impossible to reach. Base your judgements and decisions on realities and facts. If a man hopes to win in the LOTTO ( lottery ) in order to become very happy, his probability of success is extremely small. If he is able to save even a little or earn from another source a modest figure, that is at least a sure way even though it may be slow.
To improve on plans, discuss them with people you can trust. Gather more information. Thanks to the internet. We have a lot of information to read about each day without going too far away.
Remember the value of faith. Believers have God. And we all are aware about the teaching that "With God, nothing is impossible." Believers have another way of obtaining wisdom. We call it PRAYER. Set aside time for prayers.
( To Be Continued )
