Most of my life I’ve felt like I’ve been working towards a specific goal. There was always something. First, there was the goal of graduating near the top of my class and getting into a good college. Then there was the goal of getting through college and finding a job. Then getting into a top graduate school for my masters. Then I hit the work force.
I was only in the full-time work force post graduate degree for about 6 years. But, man, I pushed hard those six years. My salary and level of responsibility increased quickly and I was well on my way to the career goals I set.
Life has a way of pulling the rug out from under you though. My goals changed and my focus changed and eventually I found myself as a stay at home mom to two little boys. I love my boys and I loved not working, but it was pretty hard to set career goals when you are at home changing diapers.
So I started setting personal goals.
I wanted to run a marathon. And I did it. And then I ran another. Each of those took time and dedication and focus on a big goal.
Right now, I’m without a “big goal”. And it feels kind of weird. And kind of good at the same time.
My life is good right now. I have a job I love, that works with my lifestyle. But I don’t have any real career plans at this point. My running is going really well again, but I’m not searching for a big event. I’m just enjoying where I am, running long when I feel like it, running fast when it happens. My kids are their usual selves. My only goal there is to try to enjoy the rest of spring break with them, despite their love of fighting with each other.
So, I’m just sorting of floating along, unfocused and without direction. Surprisingly, I’m ok with that. At this moment in time, just being in the moment is working for me. At some point, I’m sure I’ll get bitten by a bug again and be uberfocused on reaching a goal (sub-4:30 marathon is still out there.)
But for now, you’ll find me floating along. Savoring the moments as they come. And enjoying every.single.moment. (Except maybe those where one boy punches the other.)
Enjoy 🙂
good for you! I wish I could feel like that honestly. I am so goal oriented I HAVE to have something somewhere “out there” I am working towards. I am not sure why I have this need!
I’m a goal oriented person, too. As soon as I reach one I’m setting another. It’s exhilarating, but it’s also exhausting sometimes.
Good for you for enjoying the down time!!!
I always need a goal, too, which I think is why running became even more important after having our daughter. But like you, I’m really learning to savor this time and taking the pressure off myself to always have the next big thing on the horizon.
Good for you. I am so driven that when I don’t have something to focus on I have freak out moments. Thankfully I’ve been able to take steps back over the past several years and accept that this is ok. Enjoy!!
I always need a goal, even if it’s not something that other people see as “successful”. That is mostly why I run as well. It makes me feel good to have that goal and accomplish it, even when the rest of life is not going my way.
Goals are good – but sometimes enjoying life is just as important. And, really, you do have some goals – raising healthy, well rounded kids and giving the world a couple of productive members of society is a HUGE goal (ask me – I have 2 teenagers – it gets harder right before the finish – it’s like being at mile 22 of your marathon!).
Sometimes not reaching for a big goals lets us focus on the little things in life and relax some 🙂 Enjoy.
I go through times without a goal, although for me that’s typically at the end of Fall or early Winter. It can be a liberating feeling being able to do whatever you want, without a goal being in jeopardy. Enjoy your time!
Good for you! I’ve always been seriously goal-oriented, but have trying to learn to be more comfortable with stepping back and just taking life as it comes.
OMG I so relate to this! I was just talking to someone today about how everything I do serves a purpose, how I’m always on the step toward another goal and life is a serious of baby steps. And how I don’t always like that. I want to simply slow down and enjoy the process for a change, without wondering “what’s next?”
Unfocussed is all right too. It can be the time to regroup and reassess. And as you say, you’re savouring every moment. I like to do that every so often – take a step back from working towards the goals and just go with the flow. In fact I’m having to do that right now.
Unfocussed is all right too. It can be the time to regroup and reassess. And as you say, you’re savouring every moment. I like to do that every so often – take a step back from working towards the goals and just go with the flow. In fact I’m having to do that right now.
So glad you want to “float” on over to Alexandria in May and run the half with me. I’m beyond excited to meet you.
You sound happy and that is all that matters!! 🙂
It’s a great feeling to be content! Blessings!!
i’m normally pretty goal oriented but just enjoying fitness and running and not having specific goals sounds pretty great too…whatever works!