Before coming on the Race, I hardly ever set goals. I set a few here and there, such as get into medical school and bike 100 miles over the summer. I didn’t accomplish the first one but I did accomplish the latter. But closer to the Race I set fewer and fewer goals. I was so afraid that if I set goals and didn’t accomplish them, I would be a failure. So if I never set ANY, then I couldn’t fail.
That is definitely not a good mindset.
Failing is NOT a bad thing. Setting goals is a good thing. Trying to attain your goals is a good thing. Not always attaining your goals is okay.
I’m not sure which month on the Race I started setting goals, but it was some time in the beginning and I have continued it for the whole Race. Setting goals each month has helped me SO MUCH. When I actually write down a goal, it helps keep me accountable, just because it’s written down. Writing it down helps me to remember what my goals are because I can always go back and look at what I wrote if I forget. Telling my team what me goals are also helps with accountability. They can check in on me and make sure I am actually working toward my goals.
My goals have changed from month to month but have gotten a bit more challenging each month. Mostly because once I know I can do something, I know I can do even more!
Example, in Bulgaria our squad set up a 5k for us to run for anyone who wanted to. I hadn’t run that far in a long time but I did it! Even though it was a struggle. And then everyone started talking about running a half marathon at final debrief during our last month. I laughed because I’ve never run more than 6 miles in my life. But then I thought why not? Why can’t I do that? During our first month in Africa I ran a few times but not a ton. This past month however, I’ve ran every single day (except Fridays). The longest run so far has been 8 miles. But now that I’ve done that, I KNOW I can run that half marathon. One more month of training and I’ll be ready!
Only a month ago I was doubting myself.
But once I started training and pushing myself I knew I could do it. And this has been my pattern with everything. Not just physical goals but spiritual ones as well.
It’s just been amazing to see how far I have come during this last year and how my mindset has changed. I now believe in myself more. I now will continue to set goals when I get home. And I encourage you to do the same! My goals for my last month in South Africa will be:
1. Practice playing chess once a day.
2. Train for the half marathon four days a week.
3. Finish reading the Bible.
4. Do one listening prayer for my team. (If you want to know more about what that is, you can message me!)
5. Fast once a week.
6. Practice guitar twice a week.
7. Continue to write three things I’m thankful for every day.
What are your goals?
