Check That

In reflecting on comments made to the previous post, I don't suppose that I really meant "goals," for I don't really believe in the modern craze of goal-setting. I rather suppose that I meant that as we do whatever it is that we all do, we naturally set up targets of sorts. Naturally, I said.

For example, when we set ourselves down to write a blog, most of us intend to finish it — usually, but not always, in one session. The intention to complete the blog doesn't negate the pleasure that generally accompanies the act of writing. Or, when we get in the car, I'm sure that most people have some sort of destination in mind most of the time. But, depending on other factors, they remain perfectly able to enjoy the journey.

We all set targets all of the time. We target ourselves to get out of bed by a certain hour so that we can get to work on time so that we can keep our jobs and collect our paychecks at week's end. Although many jobs are less than stimulating, for most it is the job itself that causes discontent not the target of receiving a regular paycheck. And when that target, the paycheck, lands in our hands or bank accounts, do we not feel rather good about it all?

I think that targets are more likely to enhance rather than detract from an activity. It's almost invariably more satisfying for me to get on my bike and pedal with some purpose the ten miles to Appleby by the river than to meander aimlessly about town. And I will feel jolly proud of myself when I add a few more miles and make it all of the way to Almonte (pronounce it without the 'e') and back.

That will add to the sense of accomplishment that I already feel every time that I go out and cycle about the countryside. But I do enjoy the ride too.