Goals and Socrates

Posted by Kate Traci on December 6, 2012 in Book of YOU, Tools | 1 Comment

It’s December (duh) and the years end is fast approaching. 2013 will be born soon and with it many hopes, dreams, and goals that each of us yearns to see come to fruition. It is the same every January.

A good time for a fresh start, we think.

I know. The first of the year is big for me too. I clean out my files, I rewrite my goal lists, and plan plan plan for all the amazing things ahead. Too many. An inhuman amount of tasks and dreams and lists.

I set high standards, I argue to myself in an effort to justify it all.  The lack of sleep, the frustration, the scattered focus, and the overwhelming wish to only have to hang out with my dog.

This year it will be different. I’ve learned a lot about goals, goal setting, planning, writing, and time management over the years. A lot of it helps. Yet some of it doesn’t, when faced with the brutal realities of life and time and peace.

This year will be different and this is why:

A young man once asked Socrates the secret to success. Socrates told the young man to meet him at the river the next morning. The next morning the two met. Socrates then asked the young man to walk with him into the river. When the water got up to their neck, Socrates took the young man by surprise and dunked his head under the water. The young man struggled to get out, but Socrates was strong and kept him there until the young man started turning blue. Socrates then pulled the young man’s head out of the water and the first thing the young man did was to gasp and take a deep breath of air.

Socrates asked, ‘What did you want the most when you were under there?”

The boy gasping, replied, “Air!”

Socrates said, “That is the secret to success. When you want success as badly as you want air, then you will get it.” 

What do I want as much as I want air?

I want a book about a girl who fights demons. I want to teach people who need teaching the things I have learned in whatever capacity that can be taught. I want to see a few beautiful places, and I want to accept the flawed beauty that is me. I want to push myself to the edge and smile at the devil as I leap into a future I cannot know nor would I care to. I want to deeply enjoy precious moments, and I want to listen to the voice that never steers me wrong.

There we go. Goal list done. That’s it. That’s what I’m aiming for. All the other goals will still be there, but they take a back burner. I will get to them… in time. I don’t want them like I want AIR. So I choose the ones I do.

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What are your goals and hopes for 2013? What do YOU want more than air? I’d really love to hear.

*BONUS* Go HERE: for a worksheet to get you started.

Think. Type. Print. Tape. Perfect for bedroom walls, vision boards and bathroom mirrors. Pin. Post. Link. Share. Old school or new school, use it whenever, wherever you need a remind.