How Goals Unleash the Superhero Inside You!
- By Jill Koenig
- By Jill Koenig
Within every human being exists an infinite supply of creativity, strength, and wonder.
You are capable of more than you know.
Let me tell you about a real life Superhero I know named Mike Berkson.
Mike was diagnosed with cerebral palsy. Doctors told his parents that he would not be able to talk, and he would never be a student in a regular classroom. By the time Mike was 3, he was not only talking up a storm but had a thirst for vocabulary. Mike sets BIG Goals. Mike excels in English and history, is creative in writing short stories, and has ambitions in film making.
Because he is confined to a wheelchair, and has limited use of his arms and legs, he is paired with someone to help him through the day. For a few years, my friend Tim was fortunate enough to be paired with Mike and serve as Mike's aid and helper.
As Tim and Mike grew closer and Tim became a member of Mike's family, Tim felt a yearning to share with the world Mike's awesome attitude, and how Mike deals with prejudices, ignorance, and inconveniences despite his circumstances.
Tim was so inspired by the Superhero within in Mike, that last year he set a goal to write a book about Mike and run 1,200 miles from Florida to Chicago to promote it.
Just one tiny problem...at the time, Tim could hardly run 30 minutes and in order to achieve his goals within 4 months, he would have to write the book at blazing speed AND get into the kind of physical condition to maintain a pace of running 40 miles per day for 31 straight days.
Tim had the yearning to pursue a series of goals so much bigger than anything he had ever done before, that he just had to try. As a tribute to Mike, Tim had to push himself beyond anything he ever previously did, as Mike does every single day.
Some people in life believe you should only pursue goals you know you can achieve. Others believe the success lies in the growth that occurs from stretching beyond your previous wins, and that all growth is success.
How do you define success?
I interviewed Tim recently on my radio show. Tim explains how he found an endurance coach and transformed himself from a couch potato into an ultra endurance champion. Tim did not reach his goal of running 40 miles a day. You see, his plan was flawed. He made a lot of mistakes. His schedule for the run was so tight, that he did not allow himself any room for error, like weather, funding, or the hazards of running alongside traffic. His approach for raising money was limited. He had a skeleton crew of one to accompany him on the run.
He had to return home by a certain date, regardless of how far behind he was, so he had to drive the distances to catch up when he fell behind. Shortly after he started his journey, he realized he would not be able to achieve the 1,200 miles and still make it home on time. But he kept running, anyways; he wanted to Keep On Keeping On. He would rather continue stretching himself than consider quitting.
Why is Tim's journey considered a success by many? Because he dared to pursue it in the first place. Because he did finish his book about Mike in record time. Because he succeeded in transforming his body into an Ultra Endurance Machine for that time. Because he DID succeed in running an average of 24 miles per day for a total of 700 miles. Because he didn't quit, even when he realized he could not reach every goal he set for himself. Because he touched the heart of a young man who looked up to him. Because he inspired a lot of people to go beyond what they previously thought they could do.
Because for a moment in time, he tapped into the Superhero inside himself and unleashed more of his own potential.
Rising above circumstances like a champion inspires other people.
We must re-evaluate our perspective on what success really is.
Are you a success if you play it safe your whole life and never dare anything unless you are guaranteed victory?
When you set BIG Goals, it is important to set many smaller goals that coincide with it. Even if you fail to reach your deadline for one Goal, you will still succeed at many, and you will build your confidence to a much higher level. Give yourself empowering reasons for getting up when you feel down.There is a Superhero inside YOU.
What Goals can you set that will inspire you to unleash it?
Keep On Keeping On.
Live Your Dreams.
About the Author:
Jill Koenig, the "Goal Guru," is America's Top Goal Strategist. A best-selling author, coach, and motivational speaker, she is an expert on the subjects of goal setting, time management, and business success. A self-made millionaire, she hosts the Goal Guru Radio Show. Her passion in life is helping you achieve your goals and unleash your untapped potential. Find out more about her Cutting Edge Goal Strategies at http://www.GoalGuru.com
