( ENSPIRE Lifestyle ) The Importance Of Reaching Goals At Your Own Pace Rather Than Following Someone Else
ENSPIRE Contributor: Naomi Stamps
Setting goals is a task that many find to be stressful. It commonly stems from us trying to figure out the right plan. But two other factors also come into play; comparison and pressure from those around us. They place a clock over our heads to taunt us and make us believe we’re falling behind. While we should challenge ourselves, allowing others to rush our journey doesn’t bring the best results. The timeframe in which goals are accomplished differs from person to person (and that’s okay). I know it feels like you’re the only one that has accomplished nothing. But guess what? There are more people accomplishing goals later in life than you think.
For instance, in 2021, 23-year-old Melanie Salazar and Rene Neira, her 88-year-old grandfather, both graduated from the University of Texas at San Antonio last December. While Melanie received a Bachelor of Arts in communications, Rene received a degree of recognition in economics and an associate’s degree from Palo Alto College. He put his education on hold when he married Melanie’s grandmother and started a family. When his granddaughter began her college journey, he decided one of his goals would be to receive an education.
This didn’t come easy as Rene endured a minor stroke and took a medical leave of absence from school. Despite his stroke and being terminally ill, Rene pushed himself to finish what he started. Since Rene was shy of a few credits, UTSA gave him a degree of recognition for his outstanding efforts. This hard-working grandfather is a perfect example that it’s never too late to achieve your life goals.
Steve Harvey once said, “The road to success is always under construction.” We’re constantly gaining new skills and sharpening our knowledge. No one said reaching our goals would be easy. View it as a learning experience rather than a hinderance. We’re often discouraged because social media shows people “living their best life.” Besides this, people around us pour a load of negativity into our laps. We have to remember that social media only gives us a glimpse of someone’s life and ignore toxic people. As you’re creating your goals, don’t push yourself too hard. Trust the process, and don’t give in to the pressure. You’ll achieve all your goals when the time’s right. Keep believing in yourself!
Another article you might enjoy: The Work Of Community Voices Heard
