You’re not done yet…
Learning that is.
We strive; we set goals. We use phrases like “I’m getting there” (or at least I do) to indicate our progress toward a set point; a destination.
What if we’ve got it all wrong?
Brian McKeever
What if the main reason we should set goals is so that we stay engaged with the doing; with the learning; whether we get to our destination or not?
What if all our focus is on where we want to be; does that mean we’re not here, in the here and now?
Skiing with my friend Mike a few weeks before Christmas up at the Nordic Centre here in Canmore, we ran into Brian McKeever. Brian won triple gold medals at both the 2010 and 2014 Paralympics (visually impaired; Cross Country skiing) and was actually named on the 2010 Canadian Olympic team before being replaced by another skier; narrowly missing out on being the first athlete to compete in both the Paralympics and Olympics the same year.
Now, the reason I mention all this is that Brian said something interesting after asking how I was doing.
“Still out here trying to learn to ski” I said.
“Aren’t we all” replied Brian…
Yep, the same Brian; still learning how to ski.
You and me; and Brian.
We’re not done yet.
Happy 2016
Archived Comments
9 Comments
Brigette Bustos says:
I love this, Warren! Great reminder for the folks who beat themselves up for not being something — for not being “done.” Who wants to be done, anyway? So boring! An even simpler example that I often think about: I know *how* to read, but there are thousands of books I haven’t *yet* read, and each one stands to teach me something more about language, thought, belief, humanity, and myself. And so, it’s more than just knowing, it’s doing, enjoying, and living well. One of my dear friends has a story as awesome as yours and Brian’s. Brad Snyder (www.bradsnyderusa,dotcom) lost his eyesight when he was blew up by a bomb in Afghanistan while serving in the US Navy in 2011. One year later, to the day, he won gold at the 2012 Paralympics for swimming. A bad-ass Navy veteran and Paralympic gold medalist, he is a humble guy whose stories of learning are fantastic. Learning … it’s what separates the done from the growing, the average from the extraordinary. Happy Tuesday to you and Brian, too!
Warren Macdonald says:
Thanks so much Brigette for sharing! You’re so right. Why stop and beat yourself up; keep moving! Thanks for letting me know about Brad; looking him up now Happy Tuesday to you too; keep on being extraordinary
Jason MacKenzie says:
What I love about your take on this is that it will resonate with all the goal-oriented people. I take a similar approach where I focus on creating good and finding ways to be of service to people. I’m at the point now where I find the idea of setting specific goals limiting. I want to be open to the limitless possibilities that are available. I don’t want to miss anything because I have tunnel vision.
I know that sometimes when I explain that to people it sounds rather abstract and non-actionable. Your way of explaining neatly solves that problem by using language and concepts more people can relate to.
Well done and thank you so much for sharing your insights. You certainly made my day better!
Jason
Warren Macdonald says:
I love your line Jason, “I don’t want to miss anything because I have tunnel vision”!
Thanks for stopping by and commenting.
Love your work by the way
Keep on making a difference.
Bill MacGougan says:
I think the observation around why we set goals (to keep us engaged) is a good one. There’s other reasons too, such as clear communication so we can work together but we often focus too much on the goal and forget that we are already exactly where we should be. Look around.
Rather than thinking always of goals or “future states” maybe it is more helpful to think of milestones or waypoints. It’s still important to set a course and adjust to the tides and currents but our happiness and success should not be so tied to reaching them.Warren Macdonald says:
Thanks Bill,
Love the idea of waypoints.
Things change, we adapt. We sit tight; we move.
They key being to act on what needs acting on; that way we’re moving towards something, or not.
But always engaged
C J Sudhu says:
Great Ideas & comments, Warren
I had opportunity to attend one of your speaking engagements for financial advisors in Lowe mainland, BC number of years ago & also had a privilege of meeting you & talking to you.
Keep up the good work.
Regards ,
CJ Sidhu, CFP
Financial AdvisorWarren Macdonald says:
Thanks CJ for popping in
Glad you enjoyed the post.
Was that the event at the Westin?
Julie Muller says:
It’s all about the journey. Thanks Warren!