There is a tension that exists between goals and gratitude. Maybe you have never thought of it this way. I love setting goals. I think everyone ought to have goals in life that they are striving for.
However, what I have come to realize is that setting goals often “exposes the gap” between where I am and where I want to be. That is not necessarily a bad thing, but I think if you are not careful you can cross the line and live in ungrateful land.
The Tension Between Goals and Gratitude Podcast
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There is a point that we can become so goal focused that we are never grateful for what we currently have. Rather we want to admit it or not, we mistakenly think that once we accomplish “x” we will have finally arrived. The best example is an illustration that Anthony Robbins told in a seminar. He asked the audience (using my own words), “At what point do you become wealthy and financially free?” On the front row was a millionaire worth about 3 million dollars. Anthony put the mic in front of the millionaire an asked the question specifically to him. His response to the question: “When I get to 10 million dollars.”
I believe that the missing component to all of our goal setting is to start first by:
- Listing what we are truly thankful for
- Writing down what we have already accomplished
- Thanking God for how good He has been to us
- Showing appreciation to those around us who support us
- Giving to those who are less fortunate
- Remembering that apart from God we can do nothing
There is a tension that exists between goals and gratitude.
Gratitude will not show up on its own. Gratitude is a mindset and attitude that you have to empower. Make it a part of your morning routine. I’m not perfect at it, but before I start my day I try to take a moment, close my eyes, and think of what I am grateful for.
Two years ago we started a tradition in our home. Every November, we create a Thankful List. We take several 3×5 cards, tape them together vertically, and number to 101. Each family member gets their own pen color. We try to add to our Thankful List every single day with the goal of reaching 101 before Thanksgiving Day.
Each November my heart is filled with gratitude as I see the long list of things that I am thankful for. I want to offer you the same challenge. Recognize the importance of gratitude when it comes to setting goals.
