Goal-Setting:
These are the lessons I'm learning.

Goal-setting and I have a history of war. A war in which I have lost many a battle.

“In a fight you must be willing to die. Only then do you stand a chance of living.”

I can barely hear Hanshi (GrandMaster) Solly Said's words, I am so out of breathe. I am just SOOO relieved to have a chance to rest.

Now my interest is not in the war tactics of street fighting. This is not why I come to the dojo with a willingness to leave with bleeding knuckles, blistered feet and be kicked in the gut and head from time to time.

No, I come because as Hanshi so often reminds us – who we are are on the dojo floor is how we show up in the rest of our lives. I train, because, not only is there potential to become a lean, mean, loving machine - but because as I overcome bad habits, negative temperaments, fears and thinking in the dojo, this follows into the rest of my life.

So now I must be willing to die so that I can live?

Well, quite frankly I feel like I am dying I am so out of breathe. Does this count? I wonder. These words ring bells, ring mind-blowing echoes reverberating throughout my brain.

I've heard this before in relation to goal-setting. From a Raizcorp Business Prosperator business mentor and colleague - Darryl.

When I started Kalavati, Darryl told me a story about a group of people at war time who on arrival at enemy shores to rescue loved ones, burnt their boats. Why? To encourage a do-or-die spirit. This meant the only way back would be to beat the enemy.

“Only when you're willing to burn all your rescue boats and close every escape route for your goals will your business succeed. Only then will goal-setting mean something.”

Hmmmmmmmmmmmm!!!!!!!!! Oh Wise One!!!! Burn boats? Close all the exits?

“I don't think so” was the mutterance inside my mind while I nodded my head in agreement. Much like the participants on the Kalavati FreshStart lifestyle make-over bootcamp - when I stress the importance of being willing to do whatever it takes to be healthy, there are some ahems and ahums.

I've worked with numerous entrepreneurs and artists, including myself. There is a common theme amongst us current species known as the human race. We want to succeed. We want to be loved. We want to feel great. And, oh, we want to make money...so so badly. We want the accomplishments, the rewards, the adventure of it all. So we go set goals with great enthusiasm. Only to...SPLAT!

... Sound familiar?

So how many new people have you shared your business with this week?

Huh? Cold calls?

Well you see I've had a really hectic week, and my business is different. I can't really sell that way.

So what's your plan? What goal-setting have you done? Are you measuring your daily activity?

Uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuum!!!!

When was the last time you performed your poetry in front of a crowd, put your work out for every one to read? How many auditions have you done? How many gigs have you played live at this last month?

Well you see there is no money, no time, no this no that...

I want to be healthy, I really really do. But, no no Jo, not the beer. Just not the beer. And there is no ways I can give up meat. That's too hard and won't fit in my family life. Walking doesn't suit me I prefer the gym its just I never have time to go.

No burning of boats there I can tell you that.

Our fears and justification stop us every time. Leaving us with a bunch of tired out excuses.

Until we get 'sick and tired of being sick and tired.' Stanley Burroughs, who developed the Master Cleanse Diet took the words right out of my mouth.

It may be that when something really matters to us we put all our energies and our hearts into it. But our addictions - to unhealthy patterns, to temporary pleasure, to drama, to pain, to normalized suicide - can be stronger than heart-felt desires for health and Life.

It is only when we finally become sick and tired of being 'sick and tired' of being 'broke' 'unhealthy' 'unhappy' that our desire and faith will rise above our fears and doubts. That our willingness will rise above our laziness and our readiness shall be stronger than our mind's whimsicality to obey every feeling. Only then we burn our escape boats.

And the doors open for LIVING.

Until then goal-setting is a life filled mostly with complaints about 'what is' and wishful thinking about 'what could be' and regret about 'what was'.

I've also heard from a Living Enlightened Master that only when we are willing to die every day will we know God.

Now that's food for thought!

Jo Hazelhurst

Copyright September 2010

For health and fitness goal-setting and a lifestyle makeover, go to HealthyRawFoodLifestyle.Net