Every Sunday morning, I drive by a park. It’s on the left-hand side of the street with a basketball court, play structure, and large soccer field clearly visible.
During the week, in afternoons and evenings, the park is full of excitement. Parents sit and talk, children play, teenagers ride skateboards, grown men show up to play basketball.
But early on a Sunday morning, the park tells a different story. It is quiet and completely empty—except for one person who, without fail, works out in the field every weekend.
For as long as I can remember, every Sunday when I drive by that park, I see a young man (high school age) exercising in that park, running sprints and working on his football skills with a private coach. Some weeks, I find him running 40-yard sprints while his trainer tracks his time with a stop watch. Other weeks, I find him high-stepping through tires, weaving through cones, or back-peddling quickly to improve his foot speed.
By the time I drive by, he is clearly exhausted. Often times I have seen him complete a drill and walk slowly back to the starting line. He will put his hands on his knees and take a deep breath—the physical pain obvious even from my vantage point. And then, with a heavy sigh, he will put his fingers on the ground, arch his back, wait for the whistle, and push himself again.
I know nothing of this young man. I don’t know his name, his exact age, or where he lives. I only know that he inspires me.
He reminds me that a goal without action is not really a goal at all.
He reminds there is a big difference between saying you want something, and actually working to make it happen.
My son is in 7th grade and loves playing sports. Many of his friends do as well. In fact, they love sports so much that when I ask them what they want to be when they grow up, most will say, “I want to be a professional athlete.” Their response doesn’t surprise me. When I was younger, I said the same thing.
It is a common dream that is tough to outgrow. No doubt, even in high schools all over this country, the dream of becoming a professional athlete remains.
In my mind, I imagine this young man from the park plays on a football team at one of our local high schools. His team is full of other high school students. Many of which would tell you they have a goal: to one day become a professional football player.
There are countless boys who claim they want to play in the NFL… but there is only one I see up early on Sunday morning running sprints until his legs hurt. There is only one working his tail off to make it a reality. And I am inspired because that is the dedication required to become a professional football player. I won’t be surprised if he makes one day.
The whole scene reminds me of a conversation I witnessed shortly after graduating college. A mentor of mine was interacting with a gentleman older than me when the man made this statement, “I want to buy a Corvette.”
My mentor responded to his desire quite frankly, “No you don’t.”
“What do you mean? Of course I do. I’d like to own a Corvette.”
My mentor responded with words I have never forgotten, “No, you don’t really want to buy a Corvette. You see, if you really wanted to buy a Corvette, you could buy a Corvette. You could sell your home and maybe also your business. Then, you would have enough money to buy a Corvette. You say you want to own a Corvette… but if you really wanted to buy a Corvette, you’d be changing your life to do exactly that.”
I learned a valuable lesson that day from my mentor, “Saying you want something is one thing, but actually doing something about it is very different.” We prove what we desire most by our actions, not by our words.
We see this and experience it all the time.
We want to get out of debt, but continue to spend money on unneeded things. We want to get in shape, but never make the changes in our diet or exercise habits to accomplish that. We want to start saving for retirement, but never pursue the answers we need to get started. We desire to start a business or change jobs, but continue to spend our evenings and weekends watching television.
Or how about this one? We desire to live in a clutter-free home, but continue finding reasons why we need to keep all the stuff around us.
In each case, what we say we want is different from what we actually pursue.
Again, saying you want something is one thing, doing something about it is very different. We prove what we desire most by our actions, not by our words.
So let me ask you: What is it you want most? What life change do you desire?
Then, ask yourself this follow-up question: Are you taking the steps necessary to accomplish that goal? Or, are you settling for something else instead?
After all, a goal without a plan is just wishful thinking.
Lynn - Encore Voyage says
That inspired me today! Too often, we go through life just sort of “going along” – without really examining what we really want, and more importantly, what we’re willing to do to get there. I need to do some serious thinking. Thanks!
tac says
Excellent post and, unfortunately, hits too close to home for my comfort. It has inspired me to step up my game. I really, really want only the used and loved in my house and slowed down on that goal so thanks for reminding me action is better than wishes.
sheryl says
What a timely post. I’m six months in to the minimalist living having decluttered my home and my schedule. Two months in on decluttering the finances. I feel good about what i have accomplished but noticed the last few weeks my focus is wavering. I didn’t realize what i needed until i read this post. Thanks for your ongoing support!
linda lowder says
great post- very true. I would however like to think that some of the people who are always at the park during the week are at church on Sunday.
Jan Ramsey Brick says
Just ordered the book… so looking forward to reading it!
Thanks Joshua!
julie hickey says
Hey Josh, I would love to preorder your new book and gift it to my local library. How will you know if we’ve preorders? I would have to order through Canadian amazon or Chapters/Indigo.
Thanks,
Julie
julie hickey says
Oh! What if I purchased a digital copy through Kobo? Would I still be eligible to take the 12 week course? Thanks
joshua becker says
Yes and yes. We’ll put all the details next week—in the meantime, just keep your receipt handy.
Joelle says
Just what I needed to read this morning. We are definitely not doing enough to work toward what we want. Thank you!
Daisy @ Simplicity Relished says
I love this point, Joshua. I think people share a lot of desires and goals without any real plans to achieve them. Perhaps it’s cathartic– we feel as though we have the “intention” of doing something, and that’s a step in itself. But you’re right; reality doesn’t change until we do. Physically, emotionally, spiritually.
Karen T. says
“Reality doesn’t change until we do.” Daisy, that’s a great summary of this fantastic article by Joshua. Thanks for sharing.
Tony W says
This reminds me of all the times I would be in the gym working out. I would see personal trainers with new clients and many would say “I don’t want to get too muscular”. I would just smile. Trust me, you will never get in shape let alone get “Too Muscular” by mistake. It takes deliberate hard work like all worthwhile goals.
Pwassonne says
I’m in France and would like to purchase your book in Kindle format. To do so, I must buy it from Amazon.fr. If I do, do I get a free pass for the course as well?
joshua becker says
Correct. We will explain more details next week. Essentially, you’ll need to keep your receipt handy because you’ll need some numbers from it.