Throughout our lives, whether it be in an interview, on a date, by a relative, or out of the blue we are asked…
What are your goals?
Where do you see yourself in 5/10/20 years?
What are your biggest dreams?
These questions started bothering me because I have never had a good answer. Beyond wanting to get married and ‘living to love’ it was a task for me to come up with other goals. I got tired of my terrible answers, so I evaluated myself and shifted my mindset. I’ve always preached the phrase Carpe Diem, but I finally wanted to start living into its meaning.
Recently, I shifted my social media time into inspirational time. I got rid of Instagram, followed Daily Goalcast on Facebook, and downloaded a TED talk app. I love seeing my friends happy, but I got tired of watching others live their lives while I sat to the side. My mind was filled with unfinished tasks and goals that I convinced myself would be completed soon. So I started planning and preparing for a change.
One of the first videos I saw in my newfound inspiration time was called “What’s on Your Bucket List?” by Sebastian Terry. He begins by explaining that a close friend of his died suddenly, and it left him with a big question. If his friend knew when he was going to die, would he have changed anything? Sebastian came to the conclusion that his friend lived with so much joy and passion that he wouldn’t have changed a thing. However, Sebastian realized that he needed to change his own life. He immediately started writing down a list of 100 things that he wanted to accomplish in his life. And instead of watching other people complete his dreams, he took charge of his own life and started fulfilling his bucket list. This traveling and goal-oriented lifestyle led him to a new goal- helping others. He started traveling across the globe to push others through a half-marathon or find new ways to help others complete their goals.
You may not have the resources to travel like Sebastian. You may not have the desire to travel like Sebastian either. But I encourage you to find what your heart desires and start pursuing a life that to you is worth living. You don’t have to live into anyone else’s dreams. You don’t have to sit on the sidelines and watch everyone else live their own lives. Grab your life and take it where you want it to go.
We are lucky to go to a school where we also learn to fit our faith into our goals. I don’t expect you to have it all figured out. No one does. Instead, work your best to find meaning in the thoughts, words, and actions of yourself and others.
How is God present in my life?
Why did God put these people in my life?
Am I called to something greater?
What is the first step I want to take to fulfill my goals?
Take initiative, start a list, think about your goals. When we have goals, we have something to strive for. When we have something to strive for, we have a destination in mind. When we have a destination in mind, we will do everything we can each day to reach that destination. Your destination may get better every day as you succeed and set new goals, but don’t get complacent. Find your destination.
If you see me around, feel free to ask me about my goals. Just know that I’m going to ask you about yours.
Let me know if I can help you in any way.
With love,
Austin Peters