Three Games to Discover Customized Goals

Today I finished the records.

 

Did I remember I owned many of them? When was the last time we listened to a record? Don’t ask.

Recently I have sorted art prints, old toys, bags, vases, fiber (wool, alpaca, yak, and mohair), fabric ( I had a lot – we made a bonfire to deal with some of it), paper, clothes, and more. I choose the items that brought me joy and released the items I no longer needed to own.

One of my major goals for this season is to create beauty where I live.

Goal, intention, dreams visions, aspirations . . . call it whatever word speaks to you.

I will use ‘goal’ because it is the most common term used in psychological studies.

Why bother to create an excellent goal?

Psychological studies reveal that:

• Excellent goals create a meaningful and flourishing life.
• No goals, low goals, or poor goals create a less satisfying life.
• Strong dreams and aspirations lead to a happier life.
• Our pursuit of quality goals will increase the well-being of our friends and their friends. (social contagion)

We also know that it is not simply the accomplishment of a goal that increases well-being.

The act of pursuing the goal is an even stronger contributor to well-being.

Goals are not a one size fits all. Some are a great fit for you, others are not.

My goal of creating a beautiful environment is not for everybody.

Excellent goals for us will be unique to us.

Pursuing our unique goals:

My goal to create beauty in my world was born last summer when I took a private at-home retreat. I took prayer walks, listened to lectures, and played some thought games to find a set of goals that felt like a good fit for me, right now.

Sculpting Project: Three Games to Discover Customized Goals

This sculpting project is a tool to create goals that are a good fit for you in this season of your life.

Start by inviting God’s Holy Spirit to join you. As you sit or walk, keep company with this Spirit and listen for insight.

Game #1 Best Possible Self

Imagine and describe your best possible self.

• You may want pick a time frame of 3-10 years in the future or more current.
• You may want to imagine what you are wearing, doing, where you are, what emotions you are feeling.

Write down or draw what you discover.

Game #2 Childhood Dreams

What childhood hopes and dreams can you remember.?

Are there elements that still apply?

Write those down.

Game #3 Sage Words

Imagine that you are now much older (pick an age).

This mature person is given a chance to speak with you today.

What do they say? Do they have any advice for your current goals?

Write these sage words.

Our home is changing. I have more space – even several empty drawers. The things I have kept are stored with good visual access and when I see them they bring me pleasure. I still have a long road to reach my ambitious goal, but I have a passion to see it through. It is a goal that fits me well.

What does your best possible self look like? Dream big.

Lunch break today Evan and I got out the record player and listened to Rudyard Kipling’s Elephant’s Child.

It was delightful.