Open and Closed Doors
“Setting goals is truly an art. It takes creativity to get them just right. And often you have to be willing to adjust them due to unforeseen situations (injuries, unforeseen environmental or personal happenings, changes of direction, etc.). I had a deep desire and goal to become a professional golfer early in life. I wanted to play in the US Open one day. Fast-forward several years. I can remember the day that I was attending the U.S. Open as a sport psychologist at Oakmont Country Club. The conditions were brutal. I was working with two players competing in the US Open at the time. At one point it hit me. I was outside the ropes on game day making a significant contribution to the two players inside the ropes. They were playing great in the toughest conditions I had ever seen. I was thankful to be at the U.S. Open on the outside of the ropes rather than the inside as a player. I would have shot a 90 if I were on the other side of the ropes, not knowing then what I know now. My initial goal had changed, but I had accomplished my new difficult goal of becoming a sport psychology professional. I was thankful for exactly where I was and what I was doing at the U.S. Open—it was poignant. Difficult goals will lead to the treasure you are seeking, or they will become the catalyst and experience needed for your next goal adventure.”
Commentary:
It is important to set difficult goals that will stretch you and your imagination. But in life, we have to be ready to accept a closed door when another opens. For many of you this past year saw doors both close and open. These are huge decisions. Often people feel like a failure, but if the new door opens to another difficult goal that is worth passionately pursuing, go for it and don’t look back. As I started with above, goal setting is an art, not a measure of identity and worth. Life is a journey and sometimes there is a road closure causing the need for an alternate route and potentially an alternate destination. Let your copy of “greatness” help inspire and equip you as you seek your dreams on this great adventure during these uncertain times.
