The Journey Is The Gift, Not The Goal!
And Why You Should Do It Anyway
Friendly reminder — change takes time. That is something we often seem to forget when we are trying to institute a new habit or a different lifestyle. Yes, we know it takes time to lose those unwanted pounds, but often we seem to forget when we are on the journey. We want it now, by golly, not in weeks or months.
Second friendly reminder — stay the course. You see when we are in the middle of a journey we are so focused on the outcome, we often forget to enjoy the ride. “What ride?” you might snap at me while you are munching on a celery stick!
Let me explain why. Mentor Jim Rohn has been quoted many times that it is not the goal that’s important, but rather what we will become while we are working towards it. To put it another way — it’s not the goal that changes us. It is the process that changes us that is so important!
We become a better, more skilled, more confident, more (insert your adjective) person than we were previously. We become a better version of ourselves. And that is the point.
Third friendly reminder — it will be difficult.
I want to be a little vulnerable here and show you a glimpse into my own life, lest you think my path has been quick or easy.
Seven years ago, yep, seven years ago today, my former spouse suddenly called it quits. I was scared I would become a bag lady in my sixties, so I set about learning how to fix my life. I worked for 2 ½ years before I dug my self out of that financial and emotional hole.
When I was ‘sort of’ okay, I started dating and met someone I thought was the love of my life. I was determined to travel and have time for a relationship. To carry out this plan, I decided to become a writer and wean myself from my time-consuming real estate activities.
Fast forward to today. I am a four-time published author with two more books on their way, firmly cementing my goal of becoming an author, hence that part of the plan has been accomplished.
Additionally, just this week, I finalized two transactions that will absolve me of those time-consuming real estate activities. One of those transactions was the most complicated real estate sale I have encountered in 25 years in the industry…a handful of owners, dealing with numerous government agencies, and legal complications. But through the good will and determination of all involved, we were able to pull it off!
Now I am finally free of those pesky phone calls regarding water leaks, tenant vacancies and missed garbage pickups!
It has been a long, hard, and focused journey. Sticking to my plan (or the course) was difficult, and it took longer than anticipated! This part of my journey took 4 ½ years to come to completion. That is not a typo.
Furthermore, Mr. Right (the reason for my goal in the first place) is nowhere to be seen. You might think “what the heck?” after I have done all this hard, difficult, and exhausting work, but that’s not how I look at it!
I look at what I have become and what would have never happened if I did not have that burning desire inside me. Nope, I am not upset. I am thankful for Mr. Right and what he inadvertently pushed me to do.
You see, it was never the goal. The gift was in what I became along the way.
My question for you is — what will you become?
Janie J is the author of “Live the Life You Have Imagined,” “Single and Sixty,” “The Unimagined Awakening” and The New I Am Document, Volume 1.” She began writing books after a spiritual awakening let her tap into universal wisdom. Her mission is to help others live a life of more joy and understanding and to raise the consciousness of all humankind. Get started on your own journey with a free copy of the Connect to Transform Process at www.TheNewIAMMovement.com/transform.
