What’s Next? That Is The Question
What’s Next? That Is The Question
BySetting goals is a life long journey. For some people, setting and accomplishing one goal is not enough to create life-long fulfillment.
Having accomplished one goal may be a temporary sense of fulfillment, but after making such an accomplishment, you should ask yourself — what’s next?
For instance, if a body builder’s goal is to bench press 500 pounds, once he reaches that mark, he shouldn’t become comfortable there. His next goal should be to bench press 550 pounds then 600 pounds.
You see, some people thrive off of reaching their full potential. Are you among that number?
You should constantly challenge yourself and strive to reach higher heights. Aspire to always put your strength and abilities to the test.
When you push yourself to accomplish new and exciting things, you give yourself something to look forward to. The scripture says, “Without a vision the people perish.” Always keep the bigger picture in mind.
Know that self-growth is achieved when you constantly strive to meet new expectations. Don’t become complacent and settle for one accomplished goal. Continue to rise to new occasions and set new standards for yourself.
I think about various influential people across our nation who have made great strides. President Obama didn’t stop once he landed his spot in the oval office. He celebrated but he didn’t stop there, he was expected to rise to the occasion. He was expected to meet the standard that he set for himself.
Michael Jackson didn’t lose momentum once he gained the likes of Motown Records and landed his first platinum selling album. No he used those achievements to fuel the success to follow. Even though he’s gone today, his legacy lives on.
What will your legacy be?
You may say, “Jarrod, who can measure up to Michael Jackson’s standards?” Well I believe that we all create our level of success. If your standard is to raise a thousand dollars for charity and you achieve that, then in your eyes you’ve become successful. But if your neighbor’s goal is to raise ten thousand and he achieves that, it doesn’t mean he’s any better than you, it’s just means that he’s chosen to set a higher standard for himself. You determine your own level of success!
You can stop at one milestone, or you can go on to achieve milestone after milestone. That’s not to say that you shouldn’t celebrate successes and achievements along the way — by all means do celebrate! Do marvel in the victories you win! But after the celebration dies down, the question you ask yourself should be — what’s next?
I encourage you to raise the standard for yourself in life and discover what your next milestone will be as you charge forth on your journey of life!
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Photo credit: woodleywonderworks
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Author: Jarrod Clark (476 Articles)
Hello and welcome to my blog. My name is Jarrod Clark, author and founder of OptimisticJourney.com and my goal for this blog is to provide inspirational messages for maintaining an optimistic outlook on life. To find out more about me, check out the About Jarrod tab at the top of the page and if you have questions, please don't hesitate to contact me! Thanks!
Jarrod,
Nice post! Complacency is a terrible, ugly, limiting word. Motivation, drive, course of action / plan are ways that can counter the underachieving disease. People need to ask themselves if they want to be average, good or great. Freewill yourself to success!
- Ali
Hi Ali,
I must say I agree with you whole heartedly. Complacency is a terrible word and a terrible position to find ourselves in. Thank you so much for your input! Have a great day!
What’s next? is such a great question to continually ask oneself. Breaking down larger goals into smaller milestones and then asking oneself “What is the next mile stone I am going to achieve?” makes the process so much more enjoyable too!
Hi Leisa,
Welcome! I totally agree with you. I think that one should always strive to reach his/her full potential. It doesn’t stop after one achieved goal, I believe that it should continues on through out the rest of life. Thanks for stopping by!
Thanks Jarrod
If we look forward to our goals, that will give us something to look and live for. Otherwise, life would be boring without having specific goals.
Great point Dia! You hit the nail right on the head. Thanks for sharing and have a great day!
Hi Jarrod,
I’ve noticed that those points in my life when I didn’t have any goals, those were the times when I felt the most lost. I hadn’t planned on going back to get my Masters, but because circumstances in my life were what they were, I had to do something, I had to set a goal that would give me something to work toward.
This post is right on.
Hi Kiesha,
Thanks for sharing your story. I commend you on having gone back to get your masters. That is a perfect example of living to full potential. Have a great day!
This is a wonderful reminder Jarrod. My ‘to do’ list is perpetual — goals big and small are checked off with celebration.
Michael and Barack are shining examples of possibility and expansive thinking. Your work is indicative of the same.
Keep shining dear friend.
Jarod,
‘What’s next?’ is an awe-some, most inspiring question to ask as I move forward in my journey. However, sometimes it can also be a bit overwhelming. If I’ve just struggled through an incredible challenge, and am celebrating the joy the climb has brought, thinking about challenging myself yet again might seem huge in that moment. I like that you advised to celebrate, I might add rejuvenate a bit, even as we think of the next steps. Our journey on life’s path should allow for the same fluidity as the Energy that guides us.
Thanks Kim! You are very inspiring as well. I hope you have a great day!
Thanks Joy for the kind words! Have a great day!
Jarrod, your point about President Obama taking time to celebrate his accomplishments, but not ending there should resonate with many people. This is exactly what we need to do.
Hi Kim,
Welcome! And thanks for stopping by and contributing to the community here. I’m glad you were able to take away an inspiring take home point. Have a great day and take care!