Whether you’re talking personal or professional goals, they’ve got to light a fire under you the way Halloween candy motivates kids.
How much time do you spend setting goals for your business and personal lives? And do you stack the deck in your favor by limiting the challenging goals so that you’ll be able to check off a lot of items with little effort? Or do you strategically set goals that challenge you, your colleagues, your family?
This photo was taken several years ago – after a successful Trick or Treating venture. Not one to be outsmarted by her Mom who had put the candy on top of the fridge for safekeeping, Julia quickly plotted her path to sugary bliss. She dragged the highchair over to the fridge, climbed up the highchair, and scaled that mountain. Execution was flawless, and the rewards were sweet.
This small act shows the power of a young child’s mind: with no fear of failure, and no obstacle too big to overcome, the strategic mind went to work. A boost from her chair was all Julia needed to begin her quest the sugar. Whatever ramifications might be in her future – falling, being caught in the act by Mom, realizing Mom had already eaten the good stuff – would not stand in her way. These risks paled in comparison to the goal of reaching that Halloween candy stash.
What do you think the world would be like if we followed Julia’s lead on a regular basis:
- acting quickly on a hunch with the possibility we could reap a sweet reward?
- seeking out those things that bring us joy and a sense of accomplishment?
- throwing caution to the wind just for the heck of it?
Sure I realize we have adult responsibilities and that setting goals is a serious business. I also realize that when we bring that childlike belief that anything is possible, we can see a whole new world of opportunity. Give it a try; make sure the highchair is in place!
