Then what?

You get something you want, you achieve a major goal, you’re finally “there”. And then what? This is a theme I’m working with lately. Kind of a lot. 

(Also, this is where I have to tell you that I don’t see myself as much of a goal kind of person. Even though I think figuring out what you want, and living your life in that direction, is one of the coolest things ever. But goal achievement? Something about that phrase gives me corporate-flavored nightmares. I’m working on re-framing this. No longer being corporate sure helps. And yeah, this aversion makes me some kind of wacky, contrarian coach. Oh well.) 

Anyway, I spent the weekend in Arizona, first at an amazing workshop (*swoon*), and then visiting friends and family. Driving home yesterday I had plenty of time to zone out. Before you worry about the safety of other drivers, just know that the I10 West makes approximately two slight curves between Phoenix and LA. Boring. While zoned out, I had an image of a few things I’ve been wanting just magically clicking into place. Rather expeditiously. And I freaked out a little bit.

These things and experiences I’ve been hoping for are not so far away anymore, which is supposed to be hugely exciting. And it is, except it’s also a bit scary. Because in my little daydream, the seconds that followed these beloved items clicking into place were filled with emptiness. Or not filled at all. And I wondered, then what? It looked like after all of this big, cool stuff happens I might end up being kind of bored. And maybe alone. And possibly kind of aimless. Yikes.

I realized that, um, wow, it might be a good idea to address this panic. Which sounded a bit uncomfortable. (Not to mention kind of robotic… To do’s: Buy fruit, respond to e-mails, client call, address the panic.)

But if I’m not looking forward to the moment right after arriving at my preferred destination, the mission might be compromised. If the afterglow of getting what I want doesn’t actually glow at all, I’m guessing I will end up getting in my own way long before I ever get there.

So I think it’s time to look at what my thing, and maybe your thing, too, looks like post-achievement… coming up next.