When Reaching Goals is a Struggle

Do you have a hard time getting yourself going on important goals? Do you find yourself wanting to accomplish something but not having the energy or inner fortitude to pull it off? 

If you answered yes, you are like many people who struggle to accomplish all they know they are capable of accomplishing. You join many people who start some worthwhile project, only to falter part way through it. 

Your problem might be inertia. Allow me to explain.

Inertia is a concept coming from a law of physics, that bodies do not want to change their state of motion; if at rest, they want to stay at rest and if in motion, they want to stay in motion. 

Of course, you can see the application to your life and your endeavors. This law of physics tells us that change requires great effort, a greater force than the resistance opposing it. 

In life there are many distractions and opposing forces to the positive changes you want to make in life. You will likely have time challenges, responsibility challenges, and distraction challenges. You will likely, if you’re honest with yourself, even have the challenge of mixed feelings about your goals. 

Let me tell you a story from my own life. Several years ago, I decided I wanted to learn to play the piano. At first, it was easy to go to lessons and practice. I found learning to play fun and very rewarding. However, at some point I found the lessons becoming harder and more challenging. I resisted the lessons and ultimately stopped them. The resistance, in the form of time and responsibility challenges, created resistance and I have not been successful at applying enough force to overcome the resistance. I am disappointed and trying to establish a new pattern of weaving lessons back into my life. 

Perhaps you can relate. The law of inertia is real and must be faced. There is no escaping it. You must ultimately decide if your goal is important enough to apply the force necessary to overcome the inertia that is holding you back. 

Here are a few additional ideas: 

First, clarify your goals. Goals must have clarity to be effective. You must determine what it is exactly that you want. Sort through wants from needs, desires from necessities. 

Second, specify your goals. Make your goals very specific. For example, Judith may decide to join a women’s support group. She may decide to read certain books and journal. She may add exercise and other health goals to her list. 

Third, target date your goals. Goals must have target dates to be reached. Non-specific target dates end up never being reached. Get a calendar and check off the dates you work on your goals, aiming for your target end date. 

Fourth, evaluate your goals. Goals must be evaluated to determine if more time is needed, if the goals need to be changed, or if they are hitting the mark. Honestly appraise your actions to see if they fit with your overall purpose. Also, make sure they are in line with what you believe God wants for you.  

Fifth, revise your goals. After evaluating your goals, revise them accordingly. Sit down with a trusted friend and determine if your goals are still relevant and appropriate or if they need to be changed and revised. Pray over your goals to determine if they need to be revised. 

Finally, champion your goals. As you achieve your goals, notice the excitement that comes from these accomplishments. Pat yourself on the back and endeavor to keep the chain of events moving forward. Soon your positive actions will become habits and you would not think of breaking the chain. 

Remember the Apostle Paul’s words: “Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1: 6) 

Would you like to achieve more of your goals? If you would like further help, we are here for you. Please send responses to me at info@marriagerecoverycenter.com and read more about The Marriage Recovery Center on our website and learn about our Personal and Marriage Intensives as well as our newly formed Subscription Group, Thrive, for women struggling from emotional abuse. 

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