With the start of a new year, most people evaluate their goals and dreams. I am no different, spending the last couple of weeks reflecting on what it means to set goals and accomplish them.
Cerebral Palsy has taught me many lessons, one of which is limitations. How to not only push past them but to also accept them and work within them. As most of you know, I started practicing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu back in the fall, and as a result, I am now reminded of that same lesson. Each week, we are shown a new move to learn and how to execute the move properly; some I can do and others I cannot. I often have to put my own twist on the ones I can do, which is okay as long as it works. I have pushed past a list of limitations as a result. However, when I am shown a move that I just can't accomplish even after attempting it a few times, I say, "Okay, can't do that, so let's see if I can escape it." Switching from offense to defense is the same principle as accepting and working within your limitations.
This lesson should be considered while setting personal goals for ourselves because people impose such a high goal that it eventually dies off because it seems like reality kicks in. The person did not account for their limitations. Limitations can be jobs, relationships, family, or anything that requires your time and attention. Understand that limitations are not always to be thought of in a negative tone; they exist because they are essential to life. When setting goals, set small goals that lead up to the peak of the mountain. Set goals that require effort but are achievable. Practice humility, take one step at a time and remember the often-overlooked fact that we are only human.
There is a trap that you can easily get caught in when setting and achieving goals. It is the trap of thinking accomplishing your goals will make you happy. Yes, joy will come from getting it done, but a short while later, you will look at what could be better, and the process starts over. We must understand that being happy in life is a choice and not an aspect of life that comes from obtaining things. It is hard to make that choice, but It is a choice you must make.
Maybe, instead of it being "the pursuit of happiness," it is the happiness of the pursuit.
Peyton.
