Starting Goals Versus Staying With Them (and Achieving Them).

Most everyone - if not everyone - starts goals. Few people ever stay with them for any period of time. Of those who stay with them, even fewer ever achieve their goals. The reason: When we first set our goals, we have certain expectations or results. This is very similar to what many life coaches and self-help books call "finding your why". For instance, you may want to lose an extra ten or fifteen pounds so you could fit into that slim dress so you can go to the party coming up next month and impress everyone with your figure. So, a typical scenario may involve you hitting the gym about three to four times a week. You may also have to cut down on eating junk food (at least until that party next month). This may not be a problem at first but as you continue with your goal, you may start to miss some of the things you used to do - such as hanging out with your friends - but can't because you now have to spend time at the gym with your trainer. Moreover, that Double Big Mac sounds really good right now but you really can't eat it because you have to stick to your goal. Another problem has to do with your results or expectations(in this case, losing weight): These results you desire may not be evident at first (hence the very popular disclaimer: "The examples shown are not typical. Results vary and you may or may not see the same results") and my not happen for a while. When this happens frustration may start to set in. The thing is, when you first start your goal, may have an idea of some of the work involved. I mean, Off-hand, I personally don't know of anyone who feels they can lose weight sitting in the couch all day eating greasy fries and hot dogs. However, knowing what is involved and actually experiencing this are two different things. It may not be until you do it for some time that you begin to realize the actual sacrifices you have to make. Back when I started doing theatre, everybody, from my acting instructors to the fellow actors would tell me how I would need to make time to go to rehearsals and how I would have to "work" evenings and weekends and I was like "Sure, I don't mind". The thing is, I didn't... at first. Eventually, after a while, I started missing my friends along with some of the things I would normally would be doing on weekends. For a short time, I really had to ask myself if all this was really worth it. Fortunately for me, I got cast in a children's musical after about my third audition, but I've heard stories of many people who quit acting and went on doing other things because they weren't able to get cast in a role. When you first start out on with your goal, finding "your why" is important, but it's only a starting point. You also need to find out the work involved, the time and any sacrifices you have to make. Really ask yourself, "What am I personally willing to give up to get what I want?". Also, talk with people who are active in the industry. Maybe take some classes or attend meetup groups (if offered). Ask them about some of the sacrifices they made and how long it took them to achieve their goal. Now, this may not reflect on how long it will take you to achieve the same goal (going back to that "individual results may vary"), but at least you will have an idea. You may not have to do a complete research project, but at least understand enough to know what sacrifices and commitments you have to make, and whether your expectations and goals are realistic.