Prone To Acts Of Trivia

Sunday, 11. October 2009 by Ronald T. Brown, Ph.D.

“In the absence of clearly defined goals we become strangely loyal to performing daily acts of trivia – until ultimately we become enslaved by it.” – Robert Heimlein

Why is setting specific goals important? The Bible states that “without a vision the people will perish.” Whether it is an individual, organization/church, or an entire nation, if that entity does not have clearly defined and energizing goals, it will not be able to sustain its existence, or reach its full potential. Michael Keifer writes, “No goals, no future.” Clearly defined goals provide the fuel to reignite a life, organization, or as the Bible states - the heart of an entire nation.

Perhaps the best example of a goal which inspired an entire nation for nearly a decade, was a goal made in 1960, when President John F. Kennedy declared that the United States would put a man on the moon by the end of the decade. And despite enormous obstacles, setbacks, and challenges, the goal was reached on July 21, 1969, when astronaut Neil Armstrong took his first steps on the dusty grey surface of the moon. That event will forever be one of the proudest days in the history of the United States.

This same type of compelling vision is critically needed in our personal lives as well – for without clearly defined destinations, our lives will quickly drift into a mediocre, tedious, and unfulfilling existence. Legendary Football Coach Lou Holts offers good advice, “If you are bored with life, if you don’t get up every morning with a burning desire to do things, then you don’t have enough goals.”

William Danforth, chairman of the Board for Ralston Purina said, “I have observed that setting a goal makes no appeal to the mediocre. But to those fired with an ambition to really greatly achieve, setting a goal becomes a program that stirs the inner soul to action.” Business philosopher Jim Rohn writes, “The ultimate reason for setting goals is to entice you to become the person it takes to achieve them.” He later adds, “The reason most people face the future with apprehension instead of anticipation is because they don’t have it well designed.”

Those who are living a courageous life embrace their responsibility to clearly define what they want their life to be about – and stand for. They are determined to own their life and majestically sail toward their future and potential.

** But as we set our goals, we need to be careful. We need to make sure the goals we set also respect and protect a healthy and balanced life. We do not want to step out toward our dreams – and leave our faith, relationships, and health behind.