Life Conversations: Crossword Solution For Goals

Goal oriented people understand the difference between ‘wishbone’ and ‘backbone.' - Ashish

Humans spend their entire lives chasing ‘Goals.’ Some folks have a great track record of achieving their goals (personal and professional), while some do not have a stellar record. Achievers typically have goals that scare them a bit but excite them a lot. But what separates one from the other? What does the former group of achievers know that others can learn from?

The answer to this question comes from an unusual source for me. If you read Will Shortz’s essay on ‘How To Solve the New York Times Crossword Puzzle,' the blueprint for achieving goals is right there. He says there are three golden rules to solving the puzzle

1. Begin with the answers you’re surest of and build from there.

2. Don’t be afraid to guess

3. Don’t be afraid to erase an answer that isn’t working out

Ah! The simplicity of this advise couldn’t be more true for our lives. We are not born with, nor will we ever learn all the answers of this universe. Rather than pontificate, fear, or simply not take the first step towards any goal, start with what you know and build from there. The path to your goal may take you down multiple unknown, less traveled pathways, but don’t be afraid to guess the direction. Walk forward with belief and trust that the path you have chosen will lead you to your goal. Finally, if a path leads you down a solution that is clearly not working, don’t be afraid or ashamed to erase it and try something different. After all, if an approach does not work, change the approach, not the goal.

Just because the puzzle appears to be tough, is no reason not to pick the pencil and start solving. Just because some goals may seem arduous, is no reason not to start.

#Goals