Most people want to crack the life’s puzzle of happiness by fulfilling desires, but a time will come when they realise that not all desires are meant to be fulfilled; some are meant to be conquered. This is why a dream job, a dream house or a dream car, once in possession, becomes part of the routine. I am all for people working towards elevating their financial status and enjoying physical comforts. However, that not many enjoy the journey amazes me.
I feel if people understand the difference between a desire and a goal, they will live a more aware life.
1. A goal and a desire are not same. Desire is your attachment to the goal, not the goal. It is very important to understand that your goals can exist even if you give up attachment to the goals. Keep thinking how you can ensure that you are detached to the outcome of the goal and only attached to the action needed to achieve it.
2. Set creation goals and ritual goals rather not just consumption goals.Goals are of three kinds: creation goals, that are about who you want to become and what will you create;ritual goals, that are about what you want to do with your time and finally the consumption goals,thatare about what you want to possess with the resources.My experience is that who I am and what I do every day will always give greater happiness than what I possess.
3. Monitor your goals a couple of times a day. Read your goals in the morning and in the evening,align your long and short term goals with your daily rituals, and your progress and speed of success will amaze you. People who monitor their goals are masters of time management.
4. Practice gratitude and acceptance: Action is the reward for action and a positive result is the bonus. We maximize our probability to influence the outcomeby taking highest quality action. Be thankful for what you have before you complain about what you do not.
Remember, an unfulfilled desire always causes misery while an unfulfilled goal always inspires and stretches us to give our best.
(Siddhartha is a bestselling author and motivational guru)
