(Commentary): Trusting the process

 Life is a very puzzling thing. Sometimes when we frantically chase after something, we do not get it. But, we go past the need of wanting it, we easily get it. 

Success is similar in that sense. Whether it is success in career, relationship, happiness, or money. When we chase after love and relationship, we end up becoming "needy". When we chase after money, we are labelled as "greedy". It is not to say that we should not chase after things, or wholeheartedly pursue things. 

I believe the nuance there is the difference between chasing "frantically" and chasing "wholeheartedly". When we say frantic, we often mean that the person is in such desperation that they believe that they cannot live without. When we say wholeheartedly, we mean that the person is sole focus and pure intention pursuing something. 

The intention and the mood with which (the state of mind) that we pursue a goal is important. So what is the state of mind we should cultivate when pursuing a goal? (In my humble opinion)

1. Focus on the bigger picture 

2. Clarity of action 

3. Trust in the process

4. Cultivation of emotion & belief

Focus on the bigger picture

Having a goal and working towards an goal is important. But, we should always have a bigger picture in life. Why are we pursuing what we are pursuing? What is the purpose? What is the purpose of our own life and existence?

We will not live in the Earth for long. Many have come before and many will come after us. We must know that whether we achieve our goal or not, there are larger things at play. More important aspects of live. Friends, family, community, being in service of others. Those are the things that will make our goals more sweeter.

Clarity of Action

When on a long journey towards a goal, it is not a easy process. We will be distracted by the things from our mundane life. We will come across other goals. We need know with clarity of actions. We need to keep a record of our actions (journaling). The moment we lose clarity, we settle in to a comfort zone. We fall back to being mediocre, which is the opposite of pursuing a goal (aiming for something higher.

Trust in the process

Often times, when pursuing a goal, we will feel fatigue. We will ask ourselves on..why? Why bother? why not rest a bit? why not relax. And other times, we will feel like we are not doing enough, that we have not done enough to push ourselves towards the goal. While paradoxical, it is true. We will doubt the process on not doing enough and from fatigue of the pursuit. 

Well, it is okay. You can take a break. We can take a break. Strategic breaks. But, we must always get our skin back into the game. 

On days where we feel like we have not done enough, it is okay. It is absolutely okay. Be kind to yourself. You tried and you are trying. Do not make failure a taboo. 

Ensure that we are in the process and we are progressing. Progress is a process.

Cultivation of emotion & belief

While in the pursuit of a goal, emotional challenges would be one of the greatest. We are all part of a larger community and being part of the larger community comes with some strings. Dealing with emotion and moderating on it is very important. 

While in the process, you must cultivate the belief that you will achieve your goal. Envision of future, better self. Believe that you are there and you are that person. 

When you can a bet on yourself, the universe will chip in. 

Conclusion:

Pursuing a goal, becoming a larger person, is a process. A process that will never end until we die. We got one life; you cannot decide the outcomes, you can only decide the input and your reaction to the outcomes.