Knowing before Doing

When we are planning toward a goal, it is important to visualize the goal and create the steps it takes to get there. The smaller the granularity of the steps toward reaching a goal, the better. This allows us to get continuous positive feedback as we accomplish each step, no matter how small. It keeps us moving forward. A lot can be accomplished by having a goal broken down into daily increments so that we move forward at a steady pace. 365 steps toward a goal in a year will get us much farther than just vaguely lurching in the general direction of a myst on the horizon.

So, action is extremely important. But the mental component of achieving a goal is even more important. First, we do need to crisply and precisely define the objective. Then we should divide the acheivement of the goal into as many parts as possible, or into a daily repetitive practice that leads to the accomplishment. But, perhaps the most important part is that we know that the outcome will happen.

Knowing that an outcome will happen is an extreme form of belief. Not hoping, not beseeching, not wanting, not guessing, not doubting, but knowing. How do we know that it will happen? We believe and behave as if the result is already happened. We continue doing and feeling the result of the outcome through our daily steps or practices, but we know that it has happened. In fact, we are very thankful that is has occurred. This is our mental state. Any compromise less than that allows doubt and fear to sew the roots of failure.

This is not easy. It requires focused attention to the objective in the face of discouraging input along the way. We won't always feel like taking the next step. Some days we will be bored with repeating a particular practice. In these moments it is extremely important that we stop, take a breath and internalize the feeling that we have what we are shooting for already in hand. This will give us the faith, strength and motivation to do the minimally small step that is needed for that particular day.

Know, Do, Have. Repeat until done.