As the year is progressing, the euphoria of the new year is probably still on, but in some instances beginning to stabilise. High hopes and dreams are starting to become standard or in some cases focus is probably going towards targets and goals which were set in the previous calendar year.
So the big question is can one keep up with the excitement, at the same level of intensity as at the time when the new year goal was set? Highly unlikely! That’s not how life works – plans are linear but reality is very colourful and eventful. When we set plans and goals, we are forced to constrain the number of permutations that will likely come through – otherwise we end up in analysis paralysis – we don’t move and end up wondering why no results are coming through.
Focusing on the target is important, but is keeping up to the target realistic? When unanticipated events occur what does one do? Keep up on steering in the same planned way towards the target or is a diversion permissible? Are there any parameters for diversion defined?
We mostly hit an unanticipated obstacle and in most cases are unaware that it is an indication of a diversion required – maybe a detour, not losing sight of the target. In a game setup, keeping up with the target is easy and in most cases easily predictable, if unable to go past a certain obstacle you can try again and the obstacle will come back in the same way that it did and the second time around you may be able to overcome it.
But in a real-life scenario, the obstacle might come back in a different form or not come back at all. So, all your anticipation and preparation to encounter the obstacle might be in vain. So, what does one do in the midst of the uncertainty? Do you move back to focus on the set-plan and make new plans along the way?
Always having your eyes on the target is important, to keep you inspired and focused and be able to discern between what works and what doesn’t work. The journey is more important that the destination – the meaningful lessons are learnt along the journey, not at the destination.
While to keep up is commendable, it probably is not realistic in all cases. It is probably easiest to KEEP ON, while inspired to KEEP UP. When you KEEP ON going, you have the opportunity to be innovative in a progressive and enriching way. There will be others (individuals and businesses) who may even be ahead of the target and that might entice you to try to keep up with them – which will likely lead you to lose track completely.
So, as the year progresses, what are you going to choose to do? Keep Up or Keep On?