Those of you who have been following know that I am learning how to juggle. Correction: I have LEARNED how to juggle! I’m not quite ready to pick up the knives yet, but my next goal is to be able to juggle during my one of my presentations. I figure it is good to illustrate physical juggling when you’re talking about how to juggle the many things in your life as they both have so much in common: they’re not easy, it take concentrated effort, and sometimes, no matter how hard you try - something gets dropped. I’m not there yet but will keep on practicing.

Having learned this new skill made me think about setting and celebrating goals. First off, learning how to juggle made me very uncomfortable at first. I felt like an idiot (and amused my kids at the same time). You see, I had gotten comfortable once again with what I was doing. I had been operating in my ‘zone.’ It was time to shake it up a bit and try something new. When is the last time you tried a new skill? Whether it is something physical or not, if you’re not growing, you’re…what? Shrinking? Maybe standing still? Neither are good options.
The other lesson I learned about goal setting is that it is so easy to reach a goal and quickly move on to the next without relishing the accomplishment. Before I start worrying about trying to juggle glass balls (my ultimate goal!) I need to celebrate the fact that I learned to juggle at all! Show it off! Enjoy it! Maybe put on a red nose and do a couple of children’s parties (OK…maybe not that…). My point is, take the time to celebrate when you reach your goal before you charge off onto the next one. This is the premise behind my Whispers and Roars journals that I am working to develop and bring to market (yes…STILL!). I’m having trouble finding just the right vendor but when I do, you’ll be the first to know!
What have learned about setting (and reaching) goals? Do you celebrate or charge ahead? Share your tips with others!