The value is found in the discipline developed along the way.
“The real value of goals is not actually achieving them.
The value of goals is the discipline you incur by taking the necessary actions to become a more committed human being.
‘Lose 10 pounds.’
‘Read a book/week.’
‘Learn a new skill.’
It’s all the same thing.
Discipline.”
-Ray Zingler on X
I don’t know anything about boats.
To be honest, I have no interest in boats.
I especially don’t know anything about boat mechanics, either.
But if I were to set a goal to become a successful boat mechanic, I would achieve it. And I’m confident in that statement.
I would dedicate myself to learning the fundamentals of boat mechanics by volunteering no less than 10 hours per week of my time at a credible boat mechanics’ shop for a minimum of 1 year.
In my spare time I would read no less than a book per month on boat mechanics to better learn aspects I struggled with or aspects that I grew interest in.
Additionally, I would set and pay for appointments for deeper, hands-on learning with a boat mechanic mentor.
After I’d put in this time, I would then work on acquiring a part time job at boat mechanics shop (hopefully the shop I volunteered and was mentored at) to continue to be around the trade, while earning a wage.
I would then, in my spare time, dedicate myself to further applying my knowledge with hands on learning by tinkering on boat motors in my garage at home.
I may not ever become the world’s greatest boat mechanic, but after 5 years of this, I’m confident I would know enough to be dangerous with a wrench.
Yes, this is a faux scenario.
You could trade boat mechanic for anything from guitarist to real estate investor and the same would apply.
It’s because the “goal” doesn’t matter.
Goals are important to set, but the value isn’t achieving them.
Sure, achieving goals is great, but once you “hit it”, then what? Are you just going to stop? Of course not. At least you shouldn’t.
The value of goals is the discipline that is incurred in the process of achieving “that goal”.
The value is in those consistent day to day actions that make achieving the goal possible.
Because if we think about it critically, the one goal we’re always working on is becoming a more effective human.
And effectiveness is a product of Discipline.
Focus less on the goal and focus more on the benefit of discipline that comes with it.
With real discipline, you can do damn near anything.
