As You Sow So Shall You Reap

Thinking about goals

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As a child, I was influenced by the movie UP!. In UP!, the older gentleman completes a wild adventure only to realize that the journey was the reward or, more elegantly, in German Der Weg ist das Ziel. Here is why I believe this is true.

UP!

For the past few years, I was single-mindedly focused on learning German and getting to Germany. But, ironically, preparing to live in Germany has been more fulfilling than actually living in Germany.

Now What?

Now that I am finally where I wanted to be, I feel a slight lack of direction, sort of like when we finish reading Harry Potter or watching Gossip Girl and don’t know what to do next.

I think the best solution is to be constantly working towards a goal. Not in the hopes that the outcome will make us happy but in the wisdom that the journey is the reward. Once we achieve the goal, it is time to set our sights on a greater goal.

The Present is Certain, the Future is Not

However, the danger with goals is sacrificing the certain present for the uncertain future. The solution is to find a way to make the present enjoyable but also contribute to a better future. For example, I made learning German fun by finding interesting content and making connections.

A second problem with goals is how do we know what will benefit our future selves? For example, I want to learn French because living in Paris is on my bucket list but, I also realize that without financial independence, my options will be severely limited, and thus, financial independence is probably the more practical desire.

Delayed Gratification

Lastly, I think long-term fulfillment comes back to delaying gratification. In the moment, it is a lot more stimulating to watch Tik-Tok, but becoming a wealthy polyglot, which requires hard work and sacrifice, feels like a better strategy for my long-term happiness.

Without clear goals, it is easy to slip back into instant gratification, as I have noticed these past few months. As 2022 comes around, I am spending a lot of time thinking about what journey I want to go on next year.

My new year’s resolution is to support myself financially via YouTube and related projects. The sub-resolution is to enjoy the process and not wish to fast forward to the destination (financial freedom).

From Jordan Peterson and Afterskool YouTube Channel

Did you disagree with anything in this post? Or agree? I would like to hear your opinion below. Also, do you have any New Year’s resolutions?

Thank you for reading and Happy New Year.