The Philosophy Of Goal Setting - Part Two
Posted By Mary on June 27, 2009
In my first article on The Philosophy Of Goal Setting - Part One I spoke about what we really wanted and also why we wanted goals. In Part Two I will speak about Happiness and if we need a Philosophy of Life.
What is Happiness?
It sounds a strange question but one we rarely ask ourselves. Happiness is actually the possession or attainment of what each of us considers to be something good for ourselves, or those people close to us.
Two of the main channels of happiness are:-
1. We receive gifts from others.
2. We give to others.
Of course, we can rarely control what others give to us be it material things, knowledge or skills and even harder to control, emotional fulfillment. As a consequence the happiness we obtain from this area is sporadic. Mainly left to times of celebration, such as Birthdays and Special Holidays. Even with knowledge, we do not always receive the happiness we desire from say a teacher or book etc. And on the emotional level it is even harder still, as we need to be emotionally centered before we can obtain true happiness from another person.
But we can control how much and how often we give to others. Giving to others is always within our control and thereby we can control this area of happiness. It is important though that when giving to others we give unselfishly, without any thought of reward, whatever form that maybe, whatsoever.
When we do give unselfishly, we find that we ALWAYS receive back MORE than we have given,albeit not always from the same source. Be aware of this factor, as it can be confusing if you have given to someone and it appears that this person hasn’t given anything back. You WILL get your reward, if you originally gave unselfishly but it could well come from a completely unexpected source.
It is not always obvious but just by being in the moment we can also be both giving and receiving. For example, just standing and watching an exquisite sunset, Nature’s own floor show. The feelings that engenders is one of pure, complete happiness. But if you stop and think, it is still in the giving and receiving format. Nature is freely giving to us her gifts, without asking for anything whatsoever in return.
So as you can see, happiness is dependent on giving and receiving in whatever format this occurs.
Do We Need a Philosophy Of Life?
A Philosophy of Life, in concrete terms is about the value or values we ourselves attach to life. These values, the way we perceive life, will regulate the way in which we live our lives.
If like Thomas Hobbes ,English Philosopher ( 5 April 1588-4 December 1679) remembered today for his work on Political Philosophy, you believe life to be “solitary,poor nasty,brutish and short”, then that is the way you will live your life.
However, if you think as Robert Browning, English Poet and Dramatist, (8 May 1812-12 December 1889) that life is in the key of C Major then “a brute I might have been but would not sink I” would be the scale in which you chose to live your life.
For example, the sages have always taught us that might is not right. We do the right thing not because we HAVE TO, or an authoritarian figures says we must but because we ourselves KNOW it is right within itself.
This principle applies to all areas of our lives.
A Philosophy of Life gives us meaning and purpose. It ensures our lives become purpose-FUL not purpose-LESS.
Finally, whatever or however we view our lives once we have devised our rules for living, it is essential that we infuse our actions with the right spirit of intent.
Our own self-esteem and integrity require that we live according to our professed standards. Sadly, due to low self-esteem, many people are living below their own unique existence and potential. (see my articles on Self Esteem).
It is always important too, that our spirit of intent needs to be aligned with love, truth and justice. In so doing we are aligning ourselves to the Universal Law, through which all energy flows. By doing this we will make not only our own lives richer but we will make this wonderful world a more beautiful place.
Everything which exists in this world started as a thought. That thought then manifests into a physical existence. With this in mind we always need to ensure our thoughts are totally in tune with love, truth and justice and the Universal Law. We need too to hold onto our thoughts and by so doing we will bring them into our own reality.
It is important we think deeply about life’s big questions.
Who am I?
Why do I exist or What am I contributing?
Where am I going?
These questions are the entire premise on which your Philosophy of Life will be formed. Ask yourself these questions. The great Greek Philosopher Socrates, who was one of the greatest teachers on this earth, taught mainly be asking questions. Your answers may surprise you!
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