Intentional Actions - Goals
If you don’t have a consistent goal in life, you can’t live it in a consistent way. Marcus Aurelius – Meditations – pg. 155
As I journeyed through cancer, I began to make goals. There were simple ones like Make it to Thanksgiving dinner. I was in my second round of chemo and was feeling the effects of the drugs. They were making me sick, and I was struggling. Little did we know that I was deathly allergic to one of the chemo drugs.
I made it to Thanksgiving that year (2021), but I spent most of the day in a chair staring at the football games on the tv. I barely ate anything and had little to say. I made it through the day though and that was the goal.
My second simple goal was to walk every day. Often, that was nothing more than walking loops around the house to try and get in my steps. At other times it was walking the block and sometimes sitting on the curb until I could get energy back. It took me longer than I wanted, but I made the goal.
Post cancer, I had two goals. The first was to hike Quandary peak in Breckenridge CO with friends. I had done this in 2019, just prior to being diagnosed, but I wanted to prove that I could do it again. If you don’t know anything about Quandary, it is a little over 14,000 feet and, while it is not defined as a hard climb, it is not easy either. Thus, the climb this time was harder. It took longer. I had to stop and rest, but my family and friends made the journey with me. They made the journey manageable and enjoyable. I wasn’t alone and we all encouraged each other along the way.
My second goal was to compete in a CrossFit competition. I had joined CrossFit in 2017 just prior to turning 50, but had always avoided the competitions. I had attended numerous competitions and always enjoyed watching others compete. The energy in the room and the excitement and encouragement from everyone were always palpable.
This time though, I wanted to prove that I could compete post cancer at the age of 56. At the end of 2022 I was finally cancer free, past chemo, radiation, and all surgeries (so I thought). I was in the back yard early in January 2023 building a fence. I woke up the morning following a long day’s work and wasn’t feeling well. I couldn’t identify it, but something was wrong. I knew it. I ended up in the hospital later that day diagnosed with a twisted bowel from the scar tissue connected to the all the previous surgeries. This meant that they had to cut me open again and untwist the bowel. My recovery would have to start all over again.
Later in August of 2023 though, I accomplished my goal of competing. It required rest, a ton of work, and some real determination. I would like to say that accomplishing this last goal was easy, but unfortunately, I tore open my surgery scars while competing and ended up with a hernia. Once again, I was back in surgery. Starting over and learning my lessons the hard way.
Goals require work, strength, determination, and some common sense (clearly, I was lacking in this area). Now, I’m back in the gym but not competing. Goals are great but make them realistic and achievable. You’ll be glad you did.
“Goals are about the results you want to achieve. Systems (plans) are about the processes that lead to those results.” – James Clear – Atomic Habits – pg. 23
Things I learned about Goals in the Health Journey…
1. Make them obtainable – If you don’t set obtainable and achievable goals, you fall into the trap of living in constant defeat. Your goals must be the kind of things you can reach. For instance, I can have a goal of walking on the moon, but I’ll never achieve that goal. I’m too old, my eyesight is bad, I get motion sickness at times, and I’ve had ass cancer. No one wants me to be their astronaut.
2. Use your common sense when setting them – Make goals that won’t lead to your harm or death. You read above how living into my goal only brought setbacks. I should have listened more closely to my wife and my body. Don’t make goals that have the potential to harm you or those you love.
3. Speak them out loud – One of the most important things you can do is voice your goal. I learned this trick many years ago. If I tell people what my goals are for the year, I’m more inclined to strive for those goals instead of simply moving past them.
“Achieving the goal only changes your life for the moment.” – James Clear – Atomic Habits – pg. 25
4. Remember, goals are temporary – Your goals are simply an end…they are not the means. If you seek your goal at the expense of your values or your relationships, you will regret it. Achieving the goals does not bring long term happiness. Accomplishing the goals is momentary and the joy is short lived. Keep that in mind.
5. Make the journey with others – When possible, bring others along for the journey. The goal is always more enjoyable if others are with you.
6. Make a plan – We’ll talk about this in the next chapter, but your going to need a plan if you want to achieve your goals. Know the plan and follow the plan.
Our dedication to growth is the single most important determinant of our…development. – Brennan Manning – The Importance of Being Foolish – pg. 135
You must commit yourself to identifying and following the plan for your goals. Brennan Manning reminds us that our dedication and commitment to our goals and development are the primary determinant of our growth and ability to overcome. For some, this could be seen as stubborn determination and that’s exactly what is needed. You see, there are times when each of us must dig our heals in the ground and, through stubborn determination and intentional action, push forward towards our goals and objectives.
Clear, well-defined goals with intentional action are a must if you hope to overcome. That is your best path to overcoming your obstacles. Choose your best path and take the needed steps.