Why I Punish Myself: Life Goals

(This was originally posted on Nov. 17, 2008 after my first ever marathon. Having just run another full marathon I thought it would be good to share again!)

I told you earlier in the week that I was going to share this week why I would continually “punish myself” as so many of you have called it, by doing things like running 26.2 miles. Here is the why: Most people spend more time planning their summer vacation than they do planning their life out.

In 6th grade, I started writing out the life goals list that you see pictured to the left. Those are literally THE SAME sheets of paper I started on. I’ve always been an extremely driven person. When I set out to accomplish something I’ll do anything and everything in my power to get there.

Over the years I have removed goals from the list because they weren’t important to me anymore. I have added goals that have become important. And, of course, I have scratched goals off as I accomplish them.

I’ve removed some goals from the list simply because I realized my motivation was wrong. If the motivation behind the goal is wrong, then its better to not accomplish it.

Some of my goals are spiritual goals and some are just dumb things I want (or wanted) to do one day. Over the years, I’ve trimmed the list in places where stupidity reigned and added to the list as I’ve grown spiritually.

As I’ve matured in Christ, this list has become more of a “Zak’s God ordained dreams and desires” list. Its cool to look back and watch how my heart has turned from desiring to reach some completely selfish goals to wanting desperately to accomplish goals that can change the lives of others. Its almost like a spiritual journal on a couple of sheets of paper.

So that’s why I “punished myself” this weekend by running 26.2 miles. On Sunday night when I got the old list out it was all worth it. “Run a full marathon with Dad.” CHECK.

I’ve created my own little “ceremony” for scratching these goals off the list. First I pray, thanking God for allowing me to accomplish the goal. Then I pray asking God to help me use what I’ve learned to help others realize their God given potential. After praying, I take a pen out and scratch the goal off of the list…one of the most refreshing feelings on Earth! Last of all I review the list, identify a few next key goals, and pray that God would continue to work in my life and use me in BIG ways.

Maybe one day I’ll share my full list with you. More importantly I hope that by sharing this you will make your own list and think BIG!