Everyday Life
How do goals and willpower encourage growth?
English translation draft · Based on the Chinese article. This is not a word-for-word translation approved by Master Shengyuan.
Goals show you where to go; willpower keeps you willing to act. I have used aiming for the moon as a metaphor. Setting your sights too low may leave you satisfied with what is immediately available. A higher aim encourages learning and preparation.
The scores in that metaphor are not promises. Aiming for 100 does not guarantee 80. Ask why you want to do this, whether you truly want to invest yourself, and whether you check and adjust along the way. Direction needs actual effort, expertise, and methods, beyond thought alone.
Actions sometimes encourage people around us. I watched a video in which someone resolved to change their circumstances to live well with their child, and family members adjusted their diets too. What moved me was seeing the wish for change become action. But surgery, rehabilitation, and family support also played a part; willpower alone did not achieve it. The story shows effort and support, alongside suitable methods. Working hard does not guarantee everyone will cooperate.
Willingness to invest yourself appears in how you use time. Vendors who work on holidays keep working while others relax or gather for meals because they have something to achieve. Spiritual practice similarly requires setting aside real time. Effort cannot be skipped, but greater sacrifice does not guarantee a particular result.
A sports meet makes this clearer. Knowing your event and desired performance helps you consider the time remaining and training needed. Wanting to win or contribute to the team encourages practice and higher standards. A goal directs today's actions; keeping it in mind alone will not produce results.
Before emphasizing willpower, check whether the direction is suitable. I still have much to learn; I am not saying pushing through is always right. Miao Yuan spoke of having more stamina when younger and feeling differently later. I also find that a tired body needs time to recover. Moving forward seriously and acknowledging the need for rest can coexist.