Dean Cothill

Tag: What are my goals and aspirations?

  • New year, same old me?

    New year, same old me?

    As the year comes to a close and we look towards the new year, it is natural to start thinking about the goals and resolutions we want to set for ourselves. However, it is unfortunate that for many people, the time and effort put into setting these goals often goes to waste. Studies have shown that up to 92% of New Year’s resolutions fail, leading some to wonder if it is even worth the effort. But before we give up on goal setting entirely, it is important to understand why resolutions and goals often fail, and what we can do to increase our chances of success.

    Do more than just write it down…

    One of the main reasons why resolutions and goals fail is that people often don’t go beyond just writing them down. The act of writing down a goal or resolution is certainly a good first step, but it is not enough on its own. Without a plan or a process in place to actually achieve the goal, it becomes nothing more than an intention. For example, hoping to see your church grow without a plan for how to make that happen is simply a hope, and intending to lose weight without a plan for how to do so is just an intention. In both cases, the goal remains nothing more than a wish. Tell some friends, make yourself accountable, post it online and ask your friends to CHECK-IN on you…

    Clear, simple, GOALS?

    STOP for a second here, what’s on the LIST for January? Just January…

    Another reason that resolutions and goals often fail is that people don’t have a clear understanding of what they want to achieve. It is important to be specific and realistic when setting goals. Vague or overly ambitious goals are much less likely to be achieved than specific, achievable goals. For example, a goal of “losing weight” is vague and doesn’t provide any direction or motivation. On the other hand, a goal of “losing 10 pounds in three months by exercising three times a week and eating a healthier diet” is specific and provides a clear plan for how to achieve it.

    So go month by month, then term by term, then year by year.

    Are your goals “YOUR” goals?

    In addition to being specific and having a plan, it is important to consider whether a goal is actually important to you. If a goal is not something that you truly care about, it is much less likely that you will have the motivation and dedication to see it through. It is important to set goals that are meaningful and align with your values and priorities.

    Outcome-driven goals, or goals that are focused on the end result, can be motivating in the short term. However, in the long run, process-driven goals, or goals that focus on the steps and actions required to achieve a goal, tend to produce better results. For example, a financial goal of saving R500 per month is a better goal than hoping to see your investments grow by 15%. See goals like planting trees, allow the growth to happen, water the soil, a couple years pass and then you’re actually eating the fruit of those trees, your children are sitting under the shade of those trees and your grand children are now running the farms selling the fruit to neighbouring towns. My goals definitely have my kids in mind, and my kids’ kids.

    Grace and peace

    Dean

  • What does it mean to be successful?

    What does it mean to be successful?

    As you go through your day, it’s important to ask yourself what it is that you truly want out of this world and out of your life. Is it success and prosperity? Is it happiness and fulfillment? Whatever it may be, it’s essential to take some time to reflect on these desires and consider how they align with your values and goals.

    PLEASE remember, this is the only life you have, and it’s up to you to make the most of it. I mean as I type that it sounds so stupid, obviously this is my only life Dean, DUH! But… When you wake up in the morning, take a moment to think about what it is that you want to achieve that day. Are there any specific goals or tasks that you want to accomplish? As you go about your day, keep these desires at the forefront of your mind and strive to work towards them with determination and purpose.

    “This is your life, are you who you want to be?” – Jon Foreman

    As you interact with your friends and loved ones, consider what it is that you want from these relationships. Do you want to build strong, lasting connections with those around you? Do you want to support and encourage one another as you work towards your individual goals? These are important questions to ask as you navigate your social interactions and cultivate the relationships that matter most to you.

    Finally, as you lay down to sleep at night, take a moment to reflect on the day that has passed and consider what it is that you really want from your life as a whole. Do you want to make a positive impact on the world around you? Do you want to achieve personal and professional success? Whatever it may be, it’s important to hold onto these desires and work towards them with passion and purpose.

    So, ask yourself: what do you really want from your life? This is your chance to chase after your dreams and make them a reality. Don’t let this opportunity slip away. Do you want to be successful? Then go out and make it happen! With hard work, dedication, and a clear vision of what it is you want to achieve, you can make your dreams a reality and live a fulfilling, meaningful life.

    BUT WHAT IS SUCCESS?

    Success is a multifaceted concept that can be difficult to define, but at its core, it is about finding and fulfilling your purpose in life. It is about constantly striving to grow and reach your maximum potential, not just in terms of career or financial success, but in all aspects of your life. Success is also about making a positive impact on the world around you, by planting seeds that benefit others.

    To truly achieve success, it is important to first identify what your purpose is. This can be a challenging process, and may involve some introspection and self-discovery. It may involve asking yourself what truly matters to you and what you are passionate about. It may also involve identifying your strengths and areas for improvement, and finding ways to use those skills and talents to make a difference in the world. Some questions later on that…

    Identifying your purpose in life can be a challenging process, and may involve some introspection and self-discovery, but like a Mark Twain once said “The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.” 

    It is about figuring out what truly matters to you and what you are passionate about. This may involve looking back on your past experiences and asking yourself what has brought you joy, fulfillment, and a sense of purpose. It may also involve looking ahead and thinking about what you want to accomplish and the impact you want to make in the world.

    To identify your purpose, it may be helpful to ask yourself some questions, such as:

    • What do I love doing?
    • What are my values and what is important to me?
    • What skills and talents do I have that I can use to make a positive difference in the world?
    • What are my goals and aspirations?
    • What makes me happy and fulfilled?
    • What “seeds” could I plant that could benefit others (more on this in a later video)

    It may also be helpful to seek guidance and advice from others, such as friends, family, mentors, or therapists. They may be able to offer valuable insights and perspectives that can help you clarify your purpose.

    Once you have identified your purpose, it is important to set goals and work towards them. This may involve setting short-term and long-term goals, and taking small steps towards achieving them. It may also involve seeking out opportunities for growth and learning, such as through education, training, or new experiences. By setting goals and working towards them, you can stay motivated and focused on your purpose, and make progress towards achieving your aspirations.

    As you work towards your goals and grow as an individual, it is also important to remember the importance of planting seeds that benefit others. This can take many forms, such as volunteering your time, making charitable donations, or simply being kind and compassionate towards those around you. Even by planting a seed of an idea for a friend could be incredibly meaningful to them.

    “Can I plant a seed?” – DC

    By helping others and giving back to your community, you can make a positive impact on the world and contribute to the greater good.

    What is success? What does it even mean to be successful? My parents would have different answers, their parents would also have completely different answers, for me, success is about knowing your purpose in life, growing to reach your maximum potential, and planting seeds that benefit others. By focusing on these key areas, you can create a meaningful and fulfilling life that is rich in purpose and impact, and hey, it might even make you and your people, happy.

    Grace and peace

    Dean