Avoiding the ‘Normal Trap’

Feeling let down after reaching a long sought-after goal is totally normal. It’s a part of the brain’s energy and creativity release process. The great thing about it is that it’s not a permanent situation. And there are a couple of things that we can do to keep the process in motion.

People are teleological beings. This means that we are goal, or picture, oriented. Because of this, it is absolutely critical for us to have goals and to know what we want in life. But what happens once we get what we want? The goal we have been working so hard to achieve has been accomplished and there is nothing currently to strive toward.

At this point, most of us have flattened out – we shift our energy into neutral and start to feel deflated and let down. We lose our drive, our creativity and our initiative. Sometimes we even feel restless or a little depressed. Again, this is normal.

If you would like to avoid this “normal” trap, learn to set your goals to take you through – not just up to – your objective. In other words, don’t wait until you’ve achieved a goal before setting another one. Goal-setting is a very powerful force. However, it needs to be continuous and ongoing if it is really going to get you anywhere.

Of course, you can kick back and rest whenever you want to. But if it’s a choice you’ve made, not something imposed on you by circumstances, it’s likely to be a much more satisfying time out. It’s a decision made by intent, and not by neglect. (Resting can be a goal in itself . . .)

So, keep asking yourself, “What’s next? What more do I want to do? Where do I want to go next?” It is important to keep growing in all aspects of life. Continuously setting and affirming clear goals is one of the most effective ways to put yourself on an upward growth curve.