Why doesn't creature explore its options, I wonder? Why doesn't it try something different? How did it get locked into one doomed course of action? Into just trying same thing harder and harder. Into just hoping for some miraculous success...in spite of evidence to contrary!

The next morning I found fly dead on dusty windowsill.

I was reminded of an earlier period in my own life. I had wanted to create a breakthrough in my own life. Like that fly...I too had tried harder and harder and harder...until I finally gave up in exhaustion.

Here's what I learned (the hard way):

Attempting to achieve a goal by trying same thing harder and harder is a dead end approach!

First: The very word "try" indicates you actually expect failure (you're going to "try"). If you already know an approach is failing, trying it harder won't get you anywhere! You'll just fail harder!

Second: Failing again and again does NOT take you any closer to success. All it does is dampen your spirit and damage your self-confidence!

"So," you ask, "How else can I achieve my goals?"

The answer lies in a pulling back and trying a completely different approach!

Think of that fly on dusty windowsill next time you find yourself "efforting" to achieve a goal.

Let go...relax...then try another approach! Sometimes just letting go will clear your mind to see a better way of getting what you want.

"Just try harder" will seldom get you to your goal. It's just a big, fat lie that needs to be replaced with more flexible goal-directed behavior!

Plus...flexibility will protect you from discouragement and possible burn-out!

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"Oh...wow. That's really deep. Excuse me while I go stick my head in a book of wise sayings or something."

"Stick your head wherever you like. Sand if you prefer. But when you re-enter reality zone, truth will still be truth."

"Okay. I'm in an accommodating mood so let's say there is a difference between a goal and a purpose. I know about goals. How do I determine a purpose?"

"To begin with, it's not ‛A' purpose. It's ‛THE' purpose. And you begin by asking yourself what are your best talents and abilities? In other words, what do you do extremely well? What do you enjoy doing?"

"And what do I do with ‛THE' answer?"

"Decide best way for you to serve God, others and yourself by using these talents."

"Ahhhh. I knew there was a catch to all this. You're suggesting sainthood."

"Not at all. I doubt if you'd even qualify for consideration. I'm merely pointing out that you were put here on earth for a purpose. Your talents and abilities will point you in that direction if you stop long enough to really look at them. Despite appearances, you are not a cosmic accident. You do have a mission. And until you discover and align yourself with that purpose you can set all goals you want but you'll still be tap dancing in wrong ballroom."

"Give me a for instance."

"You've got writing skills. You enjoy writing. So maybe your real purpose in life is to use your writing to help others walk taller. Someone else might be a gifted sales person. Their mission could be to help people live better or more successfully through valuable services or products. Get idea?"

"Maybe. I will admit idea is worth thinking about. But just out of curiosity, what is your dedicated purpose in life?"

"Saving you from your Dumb-Self. It's a full-time commitment."

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