Most of us have goals—they could be success, making money, personal fulfillment, etc. Whatever the case, you have an ultimate goal that you want to reach and have made strides trying to get there. Despite your plan of action, how do you really know when you are truly taking a gamble when it comes to your goals? And most importantly, do you know if you are winning or losing?
Many of us (me included) have a mission and be have pursued it with passion and pride. But we could also be making valuable mistakes that we don’t even know we are doing before it’s too late.
Let’s use myself as an example: I have a tendency to have lofty creative visions, but I don’t always get the research or do the ground work it takes to get something truly off the ground. I am can be prideful and a know-it-all, not wanting to ask for help—over time, I have found that this approach simply doesn’t work. In order for me to become the writer and blogger that I envision, I must put in time asking questions to those more knowledgeable than me—that is a key for song long I was missing.
When we take a gamble, it may not have any results good or bad in the beginning. But when we do this over and over without thought, the gamble can become a bust and failure could come and sweep us away.
It’s just like a real gambler—if you go to the casino once or twice a year and spend $100 each time, it may not put a dent in your wallet. But doing so every week would definitely cause some damage to your income. And if you are losing, it could be detrimental to your lifestyle.
So how do you avoid gambling (and losing)? Well for starters, always being open to learning from others goes a long way. Spend time perfecting your craft by attending workshops, classes, conferences, and other events in your field. Network like there’s no tomorrow and keep working as hard as you can—don’t give up and don’t get comfortable. Just as you start to get comfortable with your success, the competition is always nipping at your heels.
What do you do to stop gambling when it comes to your goals? What has been your gameplan and has it paid off? Let’s discuss!
Great point you’re making about honing your craft and checking out what those have to say who are more knowledgeable!
Jeanine
Oh, my yes… I completely agree. A couple of months ago, two really cool women and I began a blog talk radio show called Saving Superwoman because of issues just like this! It seems superwomen everywhere are juggling so much… and trying do it alone.
Interestingly enough, my fellow superwomen and I choose topics that we struggle with ourselves!! And what you mention in this post is a biggy.
So give yourself a big hug and thanks for your transparency. It is so good to know that we are not alone in our struggles.
Blessings,
Lynette
Great post! My gamble is that I don’t dive in quickly ENOUGH! I OVER-think things and OVER-develop my plan of action. In doing this, I spend valuable time analyzing and not enough time TAKING ACTION!
Awesome post and in my last comment I forgot to mention how SWEET your blog is visually overall. I think it’s time for me to go to bed. The purple shirt in this post reminded me that was one of the first things I noticed about your site.
I have probably been the opposite of Lauren in that I will go for it, all in, all of the time. I have had major changes in my life the last few years (2 daughters) and it’s forcing me to think before jumping. Well, on the jump actually. LOL.
I am excited about the possibilities of being a bit more practical in my approach while still keeping that “go” mentality at the core.
Finding your blog in the FB tribe Dani started is proof that I am on the right track 😉
It has taken me a long time, but I’ve learned to ask questions of those who have been there, done that. I used to think it made me look weak. Now I know that it only makes me stronger.
I’ve also learned that by asking – there comes a time when, because I once asked, I can share that knowledge with someone else down the road.
This helps you realize that asking is so worth it – you end up helping others and it’s a win/win all around.
GREAT POST!
You shared some insightful points here that can be applied to every idea. I’m reading more about the future career I’ve chosen and how to get there. This post was a confirmation that in order to arrive at the goal I have to strategically plan and know the route to get there.