Stating Your Goals: Empty Phrases or Potent Mantras?

You can do what you want,

but are you willing to pay the price?

I remember seeing Michael Jackson when he wasn't doing so well. His estate was bankrupt, this face and body distorted by endless plastic surgeries and many illnesses. Still, as he was walking towards his next engagement he faced his fans in the street and screamed, "You ain't seen nothing yet". Two years later he was dead.

Tiger Woods hit a rough patch after his spectacular win at the 1997 Masters, and his former coach Butch Harmon questioned whether he perhaps had lost his edge. I remember Tiger's outrage and determination when he replied during a press conference, "I thought Butch was my friend", followed by, "He doesn't know what I am doing. I am very close to perfecting my swing, you will see!" How right he turned out to be; his ensuing dominance of the game was nothing short of spectacular.

So how do we know when we state potent mantras in contrast to the times when we are just fooling ourselves? Fact of the matter is, you can accomplish what you want but you have to be willing to pay the price. And sometimes paying the price is simply not worth it. Tiger Woods was willing to hit golf balls from early morning to late at night as he he craved to make history. Michael Jackson, in contrast had already seen it all when he tried pumping up his fans, so there was little energy left in him to start it all over again.

So where does this discussion leave us? Be bold in stating your goals, aim high, but also don't be shy about changing plans as you learn more about yourself and the situation you are in. Ego, soul and Self have to figure out your journey in tandem. Let the Way help you find your destiny. There are as many success stories as there are people on this planet, so pick the one that is important and meaningful to you. You can do it, as long as you are willing to pay the price. Let the Way council you in helping you find your mission.