Another Purpose for My Grand New Goal

Throughout the school year, I sit across the table from college students who are struggling with motivation issues. I often hear myself asking these students, "Why are you pursuing this education? Tell me about your goals. How much are you willing to sacrifice for those goals?" Some of the best things in life are difficult to attain - a college education; strong, healthy relationships with God, friends and family; a fulfilling career; fill-in-the-blank ________________.

For me, education comes easy, and my motivation is naturally high. BUT, I am NOT extremely motivated to eat healthy and exercise. Some of the students I advise are athletes. I often compare drive on the athletic field with drive in the classroom. Great athletic accomplishments require great discipline, sacrifice, and motivation. Student athletes at the collegiate level understand this concept well. More than once, while having this conversation with student athletes, I am convicted of my lacking motivation. I hear myself say to students, "It's midterm, there are only 8 weeks left. You can do anything for 8 weeks, can't you? Isn't your goal worth the commitment?" I must ask and answer the same questions for myself in a different, yet oh-so-similar, realm.

My "Grand New Goal" is for my family, and for my personal well-being, but it is also an effort to practice what I preach. Academic endeavors are easy and natural for me. To understand the students with whom I work, I need to push myself in a way that is unfamiliar, uncomfortable, and seemingly impossible. I need to commit, exercise discipline, and persevere even when I don't feel like it.

I have been reading about Grand Canyon hikes. I won't lie: I am very intimidated and doubtful. This journey is not natural for me; it may be the most difficult goal I have ever set in my life. I am taking the next step - joining a gym - today. I plan to partake in my first workout tonight. One step at a time... every day... for the next 12+ months. I am focusing on the joy my family will experience in achieving this goal together. I am focusing on the forever memories we will create amidst the journey. I am focusing on my students who feel like giving up when the road is rough, and how this experience will allow me to relate better with them. O Lord, help me!