Goals

I mentioned to a friend of mine at dinner a couple of weeks ago that my goal for the following day was to take the day off and cycle down to the Old Port of Montreal - a distance of about 60 kms return.  It would be the longest ride of my short bike career but I was determined.  She looked at me and asked, "Why do you set such small goals?"  My answer, quick in coming, was decisive.  "Because", I said, "I'm only back to biking since the beginning of September.  If I set huge goals and don't accomplish them, the result is disappointment and discouragement.  If I set smaller goals, the overall feeling is accomplishment and encouragement."

When I set out on that Friday morning, her words and mine resounded in my head.  I was determined to make it and make it I did.  When I arrived at the Old Port and cycled onto the boardwalk, I laughed out loud.  But the biggest grin was when I cycled back into my driveway 2.5 hours later.  Why? Because I believed in myself and that belief paid off.

And really that's what it boils down to when setting goals isn't it?  Encouraging yourself and having the faith to achieve them along with a feeling of accomplishment.  And as each small goal is achieved, larger goals can be set.

After all, my large goal is the finish line, come July 7, 2013 in Quebec City.  And all these little goals will help me get there.

If you would like to donate to my ride effort, please click on the link below.  I appreciate your help.

http://www.conquercancer.ca/site/TR/Events/Montreal2013?px=2645026&pg=personal&fr_id=1451