Personal Development: The Growing is in the Journey

The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step. Lao Tzu

Sure, your goal is the desired result which you envisions, plans and commits to achieve an end-point in some sort of assumed development and deadline. Now, that anticipated result is what guides your actions and gives value to your goal. And, goals, even small ones are beneficial to follow, for they lay out a strategic path of short goals to achieve, rather than simply striving only for the thing you desire the most. In order to reach your goal, you must embark on a journey and there lies the determining factor as to whether or not you reach your goal ... the journey, because each step counts.

~ It's because of the Destination ...

To reach your goal, keep your mind on the destination, but focus on you path or journey you encounter along the way. The journey is important because it's where you grow. You cannot get anywhere without moving. Without journeying through life, you stagnate and die. It's where you're tested. Planning your goals and writing them down is the safe part of setting your goal.

... it's about the Journey ~

The journey begins when you risk to take your first step. As Martin Luther King, Jr. so clearly stated, "Take the first step in faith. You don't have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step." Exercising your faith and working to reach your goal is in the first step you choose to take. The growing is in the steps you take. As you move along and take more steps, the easier it gets. Another way to look at the importance of the journey is to remember to live in the now, as Jesus instructed us to do. Jesus said, "Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble." (Matt 6:34) The journey is where you place your feet as you strive toward your goal. Take the steps below to ensure that you reach your destination.

Know your destination - Write your vision and make it plain.
Focus on the correct destination - Focus on your purpose, passion, talents and needs.
Keep your feet on the right path - Follow your plan.
Enjoy the journey - Live in the here and now and don't worry about tomorrow. Celebrate in the journey, don't just wait until you reach the destination.
Wander with a purpose - Take risks and challenges apart from your routine.

It's because of your goal that you journey. A journey without an end, however, is aimless wandering. So, if for some reason you choose to go off your chosen path, then do it deliberately, with purpose... enjoy it, make the most of it and get back on track. It may feel good at times to just wander, but if you wander too long you'll miss the real reward, the true meaning of your journey, which is the destination. Just like at work, you like your job, it's meaningful and satisfying but you still want that reward at the end of the day...show me the money! It's what pushes you through the difficult times as you move through your journey. The end motivates your means, thereby making the journey worth it all.

Remember your commitment to your journey, each day, means that you love what you do, each day. Your passion about the path you’re on, motivates you to keep taking the next step... growing as you go.