by ColoradoCoach.

It is important to develop the ability to clearly distinguish between wishes and goals. Realistic objectives can be achieved regardless of how difficult they are or appear to be. Unrealistic objectives on the other hand can never be achieved.

The degree of difficulty of a particular task does not determine whether or not it can be achieved.  What does determines whether or not a task or objective can be achieved is control.  The ability to control the variables that affect the outcome.

What are wishes? 

Merriam-Webster defines wish as to have a desire for (as something unattainable).

Wishes are objectives based on variables that you DO NOT control. For example, I wish that I could live forever. I have no control over death, in fact death is one constant in life, so it’s only a wish, it cannot be a goal.

Wishes are harmless but problems arise when we remain in wish mode, or treat wishes like goals. Often wishes are impulsive and not connected to our values and overall purpose.

Dreams are different from wishes. Dreams often are the catalyst to our ultimate goals and are connected to your mission. The big picture usually comes from a dream. Michael Phelps, Bill Gates, Zig Ziglar and Donald Trump all had dreams, which were convertered into goals and then achieved success through the goal setting process. Dreams can inspire action. Wishes on the other hand are often mere whims or wants.

Converting a dream to a goal is simple enough. Goals are based upon variables that you DO control. For example, I will lose 10 pounds in the next 60 days.  I have control over my actions and that is the key variable in this statement. If I limit my caloric intake and increase my activities to burn more calories, then I have the ability to achieve this goal. All the variables are in my CONTROL. This is an achievable  goal. Not a mere wish and not a even a dream.

If you have an idea that you intend to develop, then that’s most likely a dream. If you have a specific plan as to how you will achieve that idea, it now becomes a goal. Control is the key. Ensure that you identify the relevant variables and determine whether they are in your control.

Realize you will never have complete control over everything. Taking action over the critical variables that are in your control is what we are talking about here.

Even if other people don’t see or understand how something will be achieved, as long as YOU can map out the process and understand clearly how it will be achieved, that’s all that matters.

Simple things like creating new habits, vacations or learning new languages can be wishes if there is NO ACTION PLAN completed and followed. If you come home from work everyday, drop your bags and say I wish I could go on a vacation, there’s no action plan. If you save $150 a week, then it becomes a goal and you’ll have $10, 400 for a vacation after two years.

Remember that control is the key. Set goals and map out action plans which will enable you to achieve them by influencing the variables which you control.

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by ColoradoCoach.

In the confrontation between the stream and the rock, the stream always wins, not through strength but by perseverance. ~H. Jackson Brown

Looking at the beauty that is the Grand Canyon it is hard to not see the value of perseverance. Plants, trees and flowers that survive desert heat during the day and cold temperatures at night to survive and create a beautiful back drop for amazing sunrises and sunsets. Then of course there is the Colorado River. The river that has helped create this miracle of nature. The lesson of perseverance is all around. Even in the history of the Grand Canyon, A quick study of Stephen T. Mather, the man responsible for the preservation of the Grand Canyon as a National Park, for whom Mather’s Point is named, shows this man learned this lesson well early and continued to succeed with it throughout his life.

Napoleon once said, “Victory belongs to him who has the most perseverance.”
It is a statement that is as true today as when Napoleon first said it. It is a statement that can be examined throughout this spectacular park. Watch the hikers as they stumble back from hikes that were testaments to perseverance and little to do with strength. These worn out hikers kept placing one foot in front of the other, despite heat, despite blisters, and despite their inner voice telling them they weren’t going to make it.

The truth is that only a small percentage of people ever achieve their full potential - and those who do are the ones who persevere toward their goals.

“Success isn’t something you chase. It’s something you have to put forth the effort for constantly. Then maybe it’ll come when you least expect it. Most people don’t understand that.” - Michael Jordan

Dictionary.com defines persevere as a verb meaning to persist in anything undertaken; maintain a purpose in spite of difficulty, obstacles, or discouragement; continue steadfastly.
Watching the Colorado River one cannot help but notice that it rarely takes a straight path. It constantly zigs and zags and takes long bends around the natural formations. It looks as if it naturally finds the path of least resistance, but upon further inspection you can see that the river is constantly changing its path. It is always adapting to new obstacles and challenges, yet it continues its journey. That is the grace of success. From the untrained eye, it appears as though it is effortless, but the truth lies in it perseverance. The river acts naturally, discovering the path of least resistance, pooling only momentarily until overcoming the obstacle. It keeps moving.

“I do not think there is any other quality so essential to success of any kind as the quality of perseverance. It overcomes almost everything, even nature.”

                                              ~John D. Rockefeller

Perseverance is not only critical in nature and in business. Perseverance is a value to be appreciated and experienced in our personal lives and our families.  Where in your life can perseverance be practiced?  Maybe it is giving that exercise program another try.  Perhaps it means keeping in touch with friends and family.  Parenting is nothing more than perseverance in practice, maintaining a purpose in spite of difficulty.

Keep your purpose in the forefront of your mind as you continue steadfastly.  The purpose gives meaning and focus to the action. Persevere.

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