Are We There Yet?

“Energy and persistence conquer all things.”
~Benjamin Franklin

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We just recently returned from vacationing in Florida – Spring Break 2011. We no longer make the annual trip by car. We now fly! During our recent flight, I could not help but recall the many times we made the trip to Florida in the family vehicle. Seeing America by car was adventurous, while at the same time it offered its share of challenges. One such challenge was answering the redundant question, “Are we there yet.” I could not begin to count the number of times we (my wife and I) heard, “Are we there yet?” One thing was for sure; the first question would come no less than an hour into the 20 hour trek. The only uncertainty was which child would be the first to ask the question.

Planning a vacation has a fancy name; it’s called goal setting. Like all goals, a vacation must begin with a vision. The vision results in a destination. The next phase in goal setting is the planning stage. Once the destination has been set, the planning phase kicks in. After planning comes the “work stage.” It is during this stage that it is critically important that you continually monitor your progress.

When we work towards a goal, we need to be excited. Excited like a child in the backseat of a vehicle en route a vacation destination. That same excitement will cause us to ask ourselves “Are we there yet?” The question should help us focus on our goal and allow us to make any necessary adjustments in advancing toward the goal. To a child, traveling in a car to a vacation destination seems like an eternity. Hence the redundant question, “Are we there yet.” The same can be true for us when pursuing a goal. You may find that you have worked extremely hard in pursuit of your goal; yet, you have nothing to show for it. Ask yourself, “Are we (Am I) there yet?” Be like a child; continue to ask yourself the question. The question will help to bring you back to the vision.

The question will allow you to assess where you are. You may be right on track. It could be that your design was a little off or you have lost a little passion, and a few adjustments are in order. Or, possibly you might find that the physical, mental and emotional toll is no longer worth the pursuit of a once worthy goal.

The question will allow you to enjoy the journey. The answer “no” reminds us that good things are worth waiting for. In a car, children have a tendency to ask the question repeatedly because they have not learned how to enjoy the ride. For them, the question is precipitated by games or activities that quickly become monotonous and boring. Remember, when the answer to your question is “no,” take time to enjoy the pursuit of your goal. Don’t be like the child in the back seat who gets so fixated on the end result, that they cannot enjoy the ride. Most times, the journey has more to offer than the destination.

The question will allow you to take credit for the road thus traveled. Although the answer might be “no,” you can look back and take credit for how far you have come. Each mile traveled brings you that much closer to your destination. The fact that you are moving in the direction of your goal is an accomplishment. Each step you take towards your goal puts you that much closer to attaining it. And, that in itself is something to be celebrated. Take the time to celebrate how far you have come.

When vacationing by car you are likely to encounter a few problems; traffic jams, bad weather and fatigue to name a few. In pursuing your goal, there will be times when nothing seems to be moving – everything is at a standstill; times when things seem dark, gloomy and sometimes even turbulent; and times where you just feel wore out. It is during these times that you have to maintain a steady focus. Remember, the Good Book tells us, “The plans of the diligent leads to abundance.” - Proverbs 21:5

Think about the child in the backseat. The child is the epitome of perseverance. Several times they have asked, “Are we there yet?” Each time, they hear, “No, not yet.” Nonetheless, they keep on asking. They will not give up; they have their eyes on the prize. What I find most impressive is that I have never heard of a child giving up after being told, “No, not yet.” I doubt a child would ever say, “Mom and Dad, I have had enough, let’s turn around and go back home. Instead, you can count on hearing again, “Are we there yet?”

There is something we all can definitely learn from that child in the backseat who wants to know, “Are we there yet?”

It’s your life: live it, love it & celebrate it!
MJD