How to reach your goals in 2013

For today’s article, I would like to share two stories you may find interesting. I have occasionally used them when I am asked to speak before a class of graduating students. For those who are still looking to achieving their goals, I hope these anecdotes will give you some guidance in your life.

The tide always comes back

There is a true story that occurred many years ago.  Once, there was a large ship that got stuck on a piece of dry land near the harbor. The government engineers were in a quandary as to how to remove the heavy ship. Some people suggested trying to dismantle the ship piece by piece. But the ship was too big and heavy. Others suggested using several large cranes to lift the ship to safety. Again, this plan was difficult to execute and may not work. 

And so, the officials were at a loss as to how to move a seemingly immovable object. Finally, a lowly employee suggested placing several shackles to be attached at the ship’s metal side plates. He suggested installing around six chains to each side of the ship.

“What good will these shackles do,” said the engineer, “we still can’t haul the heavy ship.” Then the person answered, “The tide always comes back.”

With these words, the engineer slowly understood its meaning. For when the high tide comes, the heavy ship will be lifted up by the water itself and the shackles attached to the ship will allow it to be hauled easily and safely.

Now, you may have a problem as large as this ship stuck on the ocean floor. You may think you are stuck in your life, given your current finances, your situation or your status in life. However, as the wise man suggested, you still have to continue to prepare your shackles, which are really your talents and skills in life. So when the good times come, and they will come just as the high tide will come, you will be ready to take advantage of the opportunities.

What are these shackles or preparations you can do? First, if you are a student, you have to finish your studies and get your diploma. That’s one shackle already. Next, you may need to hone your skills in speaking, writing or organizing. You can also build your network of friends and contacts, who may possibly help you later on to achieve your goals.

Indeed, for some people, the situation may look bleak. But, in time, the wheel of fortune will turn for the better and the tide always comes back.

Look at the bright side

There is an oft-quoted motto of positive thinking expert Norman Vincent Peale. It says, “For every disadvantage, there is a corresponding advantage.” A similar saying goes, “If life throws lemons at you, then make lemonade.” Yes, for every problem, there will be some good that can come out of it.  But of course, you still have to be persistent and look for it.

There is the story of a young man who wanted to be an artist. He applied in several companies but was always turned down because they said he wasn’t good enough. The dejected man had no choice but to look around for another job.

One day, he chanced upon an advertisement posted in a church. They were looking for a layout artist for the church newsletter. Since he was hard up, he reluctantly applied for the job. He likewise asked the employer if there was a place where he could stay, too. The young man was told that there was no extra room in the church except for a mice-infested garage. “Would he care to work and sleep there?” they asked. 

And do you know what happened next? One of the mice in that garage eventually became the inspiration for Mickey Mouse. The young man, after all, was Walt Disney.

But you might say I am no Walt Disney. You may have the notion that your work or advocacy is just small compared to the big things happening in the world.

From what I have seen and learned, every project no matter how small can potentially lead to great things. Every flower, no matter how small, is beautiful in its own right. You will never know unless you do it. Success will not come unless you dream it.

Maybe your goal is just to feed the street children. Maybe your passion is in educating people on a newer perspective to see things or sharing with them a better way to do things. Maybe your project is to push a cart filled with books that can help enlighten young minds.

God moves in mysterious ways. You will never know when the tide will come. Every goal, no matter how seemingly insignificant, can be heroic in its own way.