In 1492, Christopher Columbus set sail from Spain in search of a new route to India. He had a goal: to find a faster way to get there. But what he ended up finding was something completely different: America.
While Columbus didn’t achieve his original goal, he achieved something else that was even more valuable. He found a new continent and opened up a whole new world for exploration.
So what can Columbus teach us about goal setting?
First, it’s important to remember that both goals and achievements are important. Goals are the end destination, while achievements are the milestones that get you there.
Do you usually achieve your goals? Or the outcome you would like to get?
With personal growth, it is important to have both in order to stay on track and make progress. And there are two main focuses that people have: Goals and Achievements.
Goals are the end destination. Achievements are the milestones that get you there.
It’s important to remember that both goals and achievements are important; however, they serve different purposes.
Achievements are the small steps that you take along the way to reaching your goal. They’re the small wins. And they can be anything from learning a new skill to overcoming a challenge.
By setting achievements, you can track your progress and see exactly what needs to be done in order to reach your goals. It’s a better way to measure because they can be quantified.
When you achieve something, you feel a sense of accomplishment and can enjoy the fruits of your labor. This is in contrast to the often nebulous and uncertain nature of goals.
Achievements also have the added benefit of being flexible. As your circumstances change, so too can your achievements.
What can we learn from world explorers about goal setting?
First, it’s important to have a clear destination in mind. Without a goal, it’s easy to get lost along the way.
Second, be flexible with your methods. There may be obstacles in your way that prevent you from achieving your goal in the exact way that you had planned. If you’re flexible and open to new possibilities, you may find an even better way to achieve your goal.
Finally, don’t give up. Columbus didn’t achieve his original goal, yet he didn’t give up. He kept sailing and eventually found something even better than what he was looking for.
So, the next time you’re setting a goal, remember Columbus. Set your sights on a clear destination, be flexible with your methods, and don’t give up when things get tough. Because you never know what you might find along the way.
By following these simple tips, you’ll be well on your way to achieving anything you set your mind to.
There is a very important component of setting goals which I will share in the next blog.
© 2022 Evelyn Wang
