Holiday Survivor: Set Them Wide, Set Them Low

When the Survivor series began in November, we focused on the formal public holidays: the ones with red dates on the calendar and greeting cards in the stores. We explored core holiday values such as gratitude, religious purpose, generosity, and new beginnings. And, in the pursuit of a happier, healthier, and more peaceful season, we have been setting goals and monitoring progress from week to week.

Today I invite you to consider yet another key component of year-end (and beginning) in our culture: football tournaments and championship games. My fellow coach and buddy, Jen, employed a goal-post reference in her Facebook post this week. Her analogy challenged me to reflect once again on goals, success and celebration.

So often we set personal goals on a par with solving the economic crisis and securing world peace. As we look forward into a new year and its inevitable resolutions, we are tempted to build a long and comprehensive self-improvement list. Before long, the list yellows and crumples and falls to the bottom of our pile. Reality re-asserts itself. We resign ourselves again to the fact that this will not be the year for losing 40 pounds, running a marathon, mastering Tai Chi, or learning Hindi. We sign up for the 8-week fitness program, and go twice. Santa brings a home gym, but we don’t get around to clearing space and setting it up. Sigh.

You may wonder what happened to the football game. I’m getting there. The goal post represents a critical element of success in football. Touchdowns make a bigger impression, but field goals and “extra points” often win or lose the game. We Montana Grizzly fans are painfully aware of the field goal that almost-but-didn’t happen in the championship game this year.

Likewise, when building new and healthier habits, the one-point victories are critical to winning the game and, eventually, the season. What are you most proud of doing yesterday to enhance your well-being? What will define success today? Share your intent with a buddy and celebrate success together. When you miss an extra point, review the tapes and adjust your approach.

When it comes to goalposts in the personal improvement game, I also encourage you to “set them wide and set them low.” Success is built, one point at a time, by taking on the “do-able,” today and again tomorrow.

Wishing you a happy and healthy transition to the New Year.

GO TEAM!

Pam