Goal setting and archery
The initial month of the year can swiftly pass, leaving us to reflect on our actions, question the status of our resolutions, and recall the goals we set. We might wonder if our aspirations are still on course or if, upon revisiting them, we find them to be unrealistic or lacking motivation.
(At least for me and many in the Asian community, there’s a second chance to reset our goals during the upcoming Lunar New Year :)).
Recently, I came across a YouTuber’s story. When asked about his journey to gain subscribers, his response struck a chord with me. He emphasized that he never set a goal based on the number of subscribers, recognizing that factors like subscriptions, unsubscriptions, and the platform algorithm were beyond his control. His goal always centered on aspects within his control – the quality and consistency of his videos. Therefore, his focus was on producing a certain number of high-quality videos within specific timeframes and frequencies, rather than fixating on viewership numbers.
The bow is life: the source of energy. The arrow will leave one day. The target is a long way off.
Observing an archer shooting an arrow in archery reveals that the arrow never points straight to the target. The archer is well aware that external factors such as wind, gravity, techniques, and bow tuning influence the arrow’s trajectory. What the archer can control is the full release of energy, combining the bow, posture, and the arrow.
The arrow symbolizes intention. While you can shoot as many arrows as possible, once it’s gone, it will not come back. Precision on the target board requires practice and the sacrifice of many arrows.
I can’t help but draw parallels with our approach to our careers and contributions to our community, people, and the planet. Many of us believe in the One arrow, one target kind of scenario. And I actually appreciate that thought. It means responsibility. Developing a sense of ethics and responsibility in career choices is akin to understanding that our actions, like arrows, can either hit the target or harm others. So we treasure the arrow we have. We approach with intention, avoiding the wasteful use of arrows, taking the time to draw the bow to its full strength, and choosing the right arrow.
However the downside of it, is that we can become so attached to arrow hitting the target – aka the form our aspirations and dreams take as they emerge into the world – that we choose inaction.
Observe an archer preparing for the shoot – he conducts a thorough environment scan. When the bow is drawn full of energy and the only thing left is our fear whether a strong wind will come, shoot anyway.
The arrow may or may not hit the target, but we ensure it lands in a safe zone and the right direction.
