Setting and Achieving Goals - The Unexpected
As many of you know here, because I have shared it, I am a bit of a Goal Setting Geek. I have no problem setting my goals and I have no problem taking action it is sometimes just consistent action that life distractions make challenging to achieve.
This morning I have realised that I have achieved but in unexpected ways. One in my personal life and one in my blogging life.
My Personal Goal to provide an Optimist class sail boat for my son
To give you some background. When you were a child (or anytime in life really), was there ever an opportunity that was offered to you because you were accomplished at something but due to circumstances outside of your control you couldn't take it up? (This is relevant, stay with me)
As a young person, probably around same age my son is now, 11 years old, I was offered an opportunity to compete on a state and potentially national level in ball room dancing. I was thrilled. I was a good dancer and there was a boy at school that competed already and his family (a large family of children) invited me to compete as his partner on a state and then potentially national and international level. Talk about dreams coming true. I loved dancing. My mother loved dancing, my grandmother loved dancing. Unfortunately, due to the financial investment required into multiple costumes (and my mother could sew) my mother had to decline the offer. I think that must have been one of the hardest decisions she ever had to make. Instead she could afford me to join the Girl Guides. Not quite the same, sequins and taffeta to camping without power. Anyway, I got on with life and haven't really thought about it much until now...
My 11 year old son has been sailing for 18 months and we have discovered not only is he passionate about it but he is VERY good. Yay! But for him to continue competing he needs to have his own boat. We can hire one but when it costs $600 for 6 months to do that I could spend the same $600 on a second hand boat instead and saves us $s in the long run. Except as an 'unexpected' expense this is a bit of a stretch given I have just paid for his 2 kittens which were also an 'unexpected expense'. My son has agreed to sell some of his unused toys on gumtree (Australian equivalent to Craigs list) which is helping. But... this is where the power of focus, meditation and visualising goals really works. I have been thinking about what it would be like when we do own a boat for him.
Quite unexpectedly, my mum contacts me and asks if my son and I could use an extra $120? Yes! I said it would go towards a boat for him (she asked if a real or toy boat). Then some of his toys sold for $20. It all adds up. I do now have another $400 in savings I could use if we found a boat... then
BOOM
I've potentially found a boat that they are open to negotiate on. So still a couple of steps to go but we are way closer to solving this than I ever thought we could be so fast.
By having his own boat what that means is he is now at a club that trains the Olympic and Youth Olympic sail teams. All the coaches have their eye on him and the best thing is he just loves it to pieces and wants to be the best he can be.
My Business goal is to monetize my blogging efforts
This is a small step and financial acknowledgement but it hasn't happened in awhile. I received an email overnight:
"Congrats! Training Credits Have Been Approved"
Which essentially equates to a small amount of cash (which I'll reinvest back into building my business) but as Kyle, Jay and all the Super Affiliates say: once you have achieved it's all about 'rinse and repeat'.
And for a training I wasn't sure would be received in the intention I created it - to help and support those that WA isn't working for: https://my.wealthyaffiliate.com/training/wealthy-affiliate-i...
I'm delighted so many members have understood the intention behind this training. I don't want anyone to leave but... sometimes life throws curve balls. Plus, the fact that none of us are locked into being here, I believe is empowering and important. We stay because we choose too. Which is important particularly in the online world.
Plus , achieving writing a blog post these days while 2 kittens crawl all over me is achieving the impossible! LOL
How have You Achieved Goals Unexpectedly?
Recent Comments
19
Good afternoon Fleur.
I also believe that sailing in the mind will make you sail in real life, sooner or later.
I loved the bit about the 2 kittens, most of the time our furry friends will be a help, I said most of the time.
I hope your son will achieve his dreams.
Greetings from the south of Spain, Taetske
Thanking you Taetske - I thought I'd throw in the kitten comment they seriously were trying to play and bite my fingers as I was typing the article - crazy - then they speed off somewhere else - like having a couple of toddler/teenagers in the house
Thank you for your inspiration Fleur, life certainly does throw up road blocks but most of them are man made and as your story has unfolded, certainly shows that if you focus on the things that are important, then solutions can present themselves in the most unlikeliest manner.
Regards
K
They most certainly do Keith and that has happened to me consistently through my life but I still need reminding!
Not related to affiliate marketing, but recently had my knee replaced, I faced some complications post surgery and was delayed starting rehabilitation. I felt extremely frustrated and behind in the plans I had set for recovery. My goal was not to quit, though I wanted to so often early on. All the exercising in the world and i didn't feel I was progressing, and then it happened over night. I went to bed feeling sorry for myself (never a good thing) woke up in the morning and my knee was able to move. This was a huge motivator to continue physio and 9 weeks later I am glad I went for the knee replacement.
I hope things work out for your son and that he can continue to follow his dream.
Mary
That's fantastic news Mary so delighted for you. Health is so important, without it we can't blog!!!
It is amazing Fleur, how things can fall into place when you least expect. Congratulations on achieving two of your set goals.
Thanks Harvey, yes it is important to remember (or be reminded) that we need to look up sometimes and see what we have achieved quite unexpected as a byproduct to our main focus and activities. I can tell you my son is going to think 'I'm the best Mum in the world'!
I know that I remember being that age and getting my first football boots. I was over the moon. He will be also. Funny age 11.
Very well written. Goals, objectives and performance results from blogs and website are critical for success. Not to mention fun and satisfaction of making someone happy. Best Regards, George
That's right George, my intention was to help so it is a huge bonus that I have not only received gratitude for creating the training but now a financial reward that really is the Bom
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Brilliant post Fleur.
My unexpected goals actually are my confidence is growing. My faith in this platform, community and myself has grown hugely.
Because of that alone, I know I can do this :)
Di :)
That is the best place to start Di - believing in yourself!