It is a tough dilemma. The facts are that a goal has universal truths attached. In order to obtain this item I must walk the path that leads to that goal. Obtaining a bachelor’s degree from a respected university requires twelve hours a semester to do it in four years. It is implied in that goal that my head will be in books an additional 12 to 20 hours a week studying. A new car is in my future. It is implied in that goal that I have to calculate insurance, gas, maintenance and the value that car will add to my life. If in all these goals a sacrifice is expected, then why not do without a want to augment a need. An increase in one area requires a decrease in other areas.
A very nice lady at work is a good sounding board for me as well as two other close advisors (I don’t have many because most people are not the advising type). We conclude that if you want nice things, then in other areas you must cut back in order to maintain financial balance. A gentleman told me it involves being thankful for small gifts. A good daughter shows her love for family by bringing her mother into her home and taking care of her. Remember all goals have humanity attached. Bring your family with you!
Abundance can be blinding. Take for instance a farmer looking at her field of corn. She can see the money before her eyes, or she can see the millions of families that corn will feed for years (canning is good!). Her perspective determines her success. Failure is intertwined with success and most people are not willing to untie the knots in order to straighten the line that leads to success. Most cooks are not going to whip the batter until all the lumps are out before they bake the cake.
It is not the time you spend in order to reach your goals. It is the learning process that makes you successful. The goal is just the capstone. Sufficient difficulty is attached to all worthwhile goals. No book or religious teachings I’ve ever read stated otherwise! Isn’t that the exciting part about life? When you reach waypoints along your journey, I would ask you to simply look out your window and watch the trees sway in the winds. You can’t see the wind, but you know it’s there.
Make solid, reasonable goals and plans and then diligently work to achieve them. Be patience and wait for the early and latter rain.